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REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA REPORT of the COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES for the FIFTH SESSION OF THE NINTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON 18TH JANUARY, 2006 PRINTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ZAMBIA i REPORT of the COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES for the FIFTH SESSION OF THE NINTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON 18TH JANUARY, 2006 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ITEM Membership of the Committee Functions of the Committee Procedure of the Committee Meetings of the Committee CONSIDERATION OF OUTSTANDING ASSURANCES MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 02/88 Floating Beacons on Luapula River and Lake Mweru 24/97 Construction of the Chembe Bridge and Tarring of the Pedicle Road MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT 21/96 Chipata-Muchinji Railway 04/96 Improving Zambia Railways Operations and Mulobezi Rail Line 25/03 Information, Communication, Technology Policy (ICT) 04/96 New Solwezi Post Office Construction 17/04 Vubwi Post Office MINISTRY OF HEALTH 03/99 Amendment of the National Health Service Act 05/91 Rehabilitation of Chipata, Kasama, Kabwe and Livingstone Nurses Training Schools 32/02 Cancer Centre MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 48/87 Renovation of Police Camps throughout the Country 28/97 Police Airwing 05/99 Building of two Juvenile Detention Centres 26/02 Refugee Influx 06/03 Nsumbu Immigration Office 16/03 Expansion of Kamwala and Chimbokaila Prisons 17/03 Completion of Mwembeshi State Prison 18/03 Telecommunication System-Muoyo Police Post 03/04 Police Stations or Posts in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency - 2004 PAGE 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 7 iii MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY 69/93 Choma/Namwala Road 41/97 Hostel Accommodation in Mansa and Kasama 42/97 Lusaka/Chipata (Great East) Road 59/97 Livingstone/Kazungula/Fourways Road Bridge 61/97 Luampa/Machile Road 62/97 Chingola/Solwezi Road 63/97 Chama/Matumbo Bridge 06/99 Installation of a Weigh Bridge at Luangwa 07/01 Mansa/Luwingu/Kasama Road 06/02 Empowering Upcoming Small-Scale Contractors 28/02 Lundazi/Chipata Road 29/02 Monze/Nico Road 05/03
 Mwami Turn Off/Mwami Hospital Road 08/03 Chipata/Chadiza Road 11/03 Chipata/Mfuwe (Malambo) Road 12/13 Chiengi/Kaputa Road 26/03 Kabompo/Mwinilunga Road 28/03 Mutanda/Mwinilunga Road MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 20/98 Operations of the Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB) and Hostels Board of Zambia 13/92 Transport to Tourist Centres 09/02 Development of a National Environment Policy 19/89 Rubber Plantation in Nchelenge 39/03 Forest Development Fund MINISTRY OF SPORT, YOUTH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 34/92 Dag Hammerskjoeld Stadium 57/97 Construction of two Stadia in Lusaka and the Copperbelt 31/97 Constituency Development Fund 96/01 Review of the National Sports Policy PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT DIVISION 06/97 Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP) 22/04 Putting Trained Teachers on the Pay Roll 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 32 34 34 35 35 36 36 iv MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING 15/98 Establishment of the University of Science and Technology 24/03 Chipata Trades School MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 164/93 Soldiers Accommodation 12/97 Mupepetwe Engineering Company 01/05 The Plight of Service Chiefs and General Staff of Defence Forces and Security Chiefs 02/05 The Plight of Retired Service Chiefs 03/05 Transport Problem 04/05 Communication Equipment MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS 19/03 Restructuring of Kagem Mining Limited 04/03 Gemstone Exchange Centre MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 05/04 Rehabilitation of Nyanje and Mwanjawathu Local Courts 06/04 Laws Relating to Children MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND CO-OPERATIVES 66/86 Tsetse Fly Eradication MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT 47/88 TAZAMA Rehabilitation Programme 26/95 Mini-Hydropower Stations 27/97 Kapishya Geothermal Power Plant 20/97 Inter-Basin Transfer of Water 50/97 Commercialisation of ZESCO 05/98 Rehabilitation of Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure 37 38 41 41 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 v
 MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES 26/93 Television Reception and FM Signals 14/96 Decentralisation of Printing Presses 06/95 Restructuring of the Zambia News Agency 08/98 Establishment of the Press Liaison Network 08/98 Press Attaches for Zambian Missions Abroad 03/03 CASAT MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY 50 51 52 52 52 53 46/98 Normalisation of Border Trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic 54 55 27/02 Amendment of the Investment Act of Congo (DRC) MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 56 01/96 Provision of Sixteen Secondary Schools 57 25/02 Upgrading of the National College for Management Studies 59 13/03 Girls Secondary Schools 60 21/03 Kabulu and Mung’omba Primary Schools 60 08/04 Rehabilitation of Ablution Blocks at David Livingstone High School 09/04 Building of High Schools in New Districts 61 10/04 Affirmative Action in Sponsorship accorded to Students from Rural Origin at 62 the University of Zambia MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY 11/04 Labour Conditions for Farm Workers MINISTRY OF LANDS 11/98 Demarcation of the Zambia/Malawi International Boundary 05/05 Decentralisation and Wide Publicity on the Decentralisation of the Lands Tribunal MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING 04/02 Market Development Programme 13/04 Clearance of Outstanding Council Debts 11/04 Empowering of Councils with Equipment such as Graders 12/04 Construction of Houses through Municipal Bonds 63 64 70 70 71 72 72 vi MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES 14/90 National Cultural Centre 14/04 Construction of New Maramba Cultural Village in Livingstone MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING 22/96 Re-organisation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) 52/97 Privatisation of the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) 42/02 Fiscal Responsibility Bill 20/03 Lundazi/Chipata Road 14/04 An Impending Bill to amend the Liquidation Law 15/04 Recording of the External HIPC Tracking Team 74 75 76 77 78 78 79 79 for Civil Servants 16/04 K10.0 Billion
 in Control 29 at Bank of Zambia for accessing Building Loan 80 81 81 17/04 Collection of Presumptive Tax from Traders and Marketeers 18/04 Kasempa Turn-Off/Zambezi/Chavuma Road CONCLUSION 83 vii REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE NINTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON 18TH JANUARY 2006 Consisting of: Mr E M M Musonda, MP (Chairperson); Col. B K Makumba, MP; Ms B H Jere, MP; Mr W D Kamwendo, MP; Mr R Muyanda, MP; Mr E Z Mwanza, MP; Mr H K Sinkala, MP; and Mr C M Shumina, MP.
THE HONOURANBLE MR SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LUSAKA Sir Your Committee have the honour to present their Report for the Fifth Session of the Ninth National Assembly.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE 2.

Under the Standing Orders of the House, your Committee are mandated to scrutinise all assurances and undertakings made by Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers on the floor of the House with the objective of ensuring that these are implemented.
As your Committee is a general purposes Committee, their mandate is not confined to any specific ministry as the issues that they consider are applicable to all ministries depending on situations and the issues involved.

PROCEDURE OF THE COMMITTEE 3.

Your Committee examined all contributions made by Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers as recorded in the Daily Parliamentary Debates and extracted all statements which, in their view, amounted to assurances.
These were then referred to the Government ministries concerned to find out the actions taken to implement the assurances.

Upon receipt of submissions from the Ministries and Government Departments on the outstanding assurances, your Committee then invited the respective Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives to appear before them and give updates on the implementation of the assurances under their respective portfolios.

MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE 4.


Your Committee held sixteen meetings during the period under review.

Your Committee’s Report deals with the consideration of outstanding assurances.

CONSIDERATIONS OF OUTSTANDING ASSURANCES The outstanding assurances set out hereunder were considered in detail by your Committee.
1 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 02/88 Floating Beacons on Luapula River and Lake Mweru On 28th January, 1988, the Right Honourable Prime Minister assured the House as follows: “Mr Speaker, what the Honourable Member for Nchelenge is raising is valid.

We will look into the problem.” Your previous Committee were unhappy and disappointed with the same responses year after year.

They resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In his update to your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the meeting of the Joint Survey Field Team of the Joint Committee of Experts on the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo International Boundary was held in Lusaka, Zambia from 7th to 10th March 2006.

This was in line with the second session of the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defense and Security held in Lubumbashi from 23rd to 25th November, 2005.
It was resolved that the Joint Survey Field Team, from both countries, meet to plan for the physical demarcation of the unmarked international boundary.
The objectives of the meeting were: (i) (ii) (iii) to review the progress made on the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo international boundary project; to consider the proposed project proposal for the survey of Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo international boundary; and to consider the proposed sensitisation materials to be used for the benefit of people living along the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo international boundary.
In order to plan for the physical demarcation of the unmarked part of the international boundary, the Joint Technical Committee made the following observations: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) the commencement of the physical demarcation had taken too long to be implemented mainly due to limited financial resources of the two countries.
It was agreed that there is need to finalise a comprehensive project proposal that could be submitted by the two Governments to cooperating partners for funding; it was agreed that the project proposal should indicate the percentage to be contributed by the two Governments and the percentage to be contributed by the prospective cooperating partners; January 2007 was proposed to be the commencement date for the project, since both Governments did not provide for this exercise in their respective 2006 budgets; the meeting agreed to make provisions for purchase of equipment to be used in the execution of the project in the budget; the equipment procured would be shared equally between the two Governments after completion of the projects; it was agreed that special tailored training in Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) should be arranged for twelve officers; each country of the Joint Survey Field Team should send six officers.
It was proposed that the training could be offered by the University of Zambia; (vi) the Joint Survey Field Team resolved to submit the project proposal document to the Joint Committee of Experts meeting for consideration.

2 In conclusion, the following recommendations were made: 1.

2.
2.

3. the fieldwork for physical demarcation of the land boundary between Lake Mweru and Lake Tanganyika should commence by 1st June 2007; the Joint Survey Field Team should be trained in GPS and GIS and the training should take place just before the commencement of the actual fieldwork; and the sensitisation team should include all Government departments with the mandate for managing people and natural resources from both Governments.
The Ministry requested your Committee to transfer the assurance to the Ministry of Works and Supply and the Ministry of Lands respectively, since those projects were at implementation stage and the concerns raised in the assurances were directly linked to those Ministries.
Your Committee wished to know whether the Government was committed to addressing the assurance dealing with the demarcation of borders between Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the assurance had been outstanding for the past twenty two years.

The Permanent Secretary submitted that the Government was committed to addressing the assurance except that it was financially constrained to carry out the work all by itself as DRC had not yet shown the commitment to its implementation.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there is need to review the transfer of the assurance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Works and Supply and the Ministry of Lands respectively.

They also observe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs kept on responding to the assurances year after year on similar lines without any progress.
Further, your Committee observe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no role to play in the physical demarcation of the boundary but they have a bearing on international relations.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee recommend that the assurance be transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministries of Works and Supply and Lands, respectively.

Your Committee wish to request for a progress report on the matter as the issues are being addressed by the relevant Ministries as assigned.
24/97 Construction of the Chembe Bridge and Tarring of the Pedicle Road On 18th February, 1997, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “The tarring of the Pedicle Road (the shortest route to Luapula and Northern Provinces) and improvement of the treatment to Zambians who travel on that road to the two provinces, Northern and Luapula, will be looked into.” Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee on the matter, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Republic of Zambia (GRZ) had agreed to construct the Mokambo – Chembe (Pedicle) Road and the Bridge across the Luapula River at Chembe.

It has been agreed that the Zambian Government would source funds for the projects.

Part of the total project cost would be treated as a loan to the DRC, to be repaid later.
The DRC’s preference was for the projects to be financed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement.

3 Chembe Bridge A consultant, Rankin Engineering, was engaged to carry out the feasibility study of the Bridge at a contract price of K575,168,375.00.

The study concluded that the project was viable with an economic international rate of return of 13% which was higher than 12% official discount rate adopted in Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo for the development of infrastructure projects.
Due to the urgency attached to the project, the GRZ commissioned the same consultant to carry out detailed engineering design including preparation of bidding documents at a cost of K1,346,003,047.00.

The consultant had completed the detailed design including preparation of bidding documents.

The Governments of the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had invited bids for the construction of the Chembe Bridge.
Submission of tenders for civil works was done on the 20th January 2006.

Civil works were expected to start soon with a contract duration of eighteen months.

The total budget required for construction of the proposed bridge was K38 billion (US$9.2 million).

This was to be a Government financed project.


Mokambo – Chembe (Pedicle) Road A consultant, Messrs ZK Consulting Engineering, in association with Zulu Burrow Limited were appointed to carry out the feasibility studies and preliminary engineering designs for the upgrading/ construction of the Mokambo-Chembe (pedicle) Road at a contract price of K547,024,187.50 with a duration of six months.

The consultant had since submitted the final report.
The study showed that the proposed upgrading of the road to class IC bituminous standard was viable with an Economic International Rate of Return (EIRR) of 25.5% which was higher than 12% official discount rate adopted in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the development of infrastructure projects.

The estimated cost of upgrading the road to the required standard was US$15,535,290.
Following the submission of the feasibility report, the Government of the Republic of Zambia requested for financial assistance from the Japanese Government to enable the construction of this road.

The Japanese Government, through Japanese International Co-operating Agency (JICA), was currently reviewing the request.

Once a positive response was received, the two Governments would initiate the detailed design and prepare the bidding documents to enable civil works to commence.
What was required was the support of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the request submitted to Japan for financing of the civil works of the road.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that this assurance needs to be transferred to the Ministry of Works and Supply if it has to be implemented.
Your Committee, therefore, resolve to await a progress report from the Ministry of Works and Supply on the construction of the Chembe Bridge as well as the Mokambo – Chembe (Pedicle) Road.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT 21/96 Chipata-Mchinji Railway On 13th February, 1996, the Honourable Minister informed the House that, regarding the Chipata/Mchinji Railway Project, it was the Government’s intention to source funds and that as a result of the Government’s efforts, signs were that sooner or later, a donor was going to be found to finance the project.
Your previous Committee had urged Government to source money so that the works were completed and requested to be furnished with a progress report.

4 In his update to your Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the Chipata/Mchinji Railway Project was conceived in 1982 as a bilateral project between Zambia and Malawi to connect Zambia via Malawi to the Port of Nacala in Mozambique.
The Government of Malawi, with the assistance of the Canadian Government, completed their portion of the railway line in 1984 within the agreed time frame of two years.

However, the Zambian Government could not complete the construction of the line from the time the project started in 1982 due to lack of funds.

To date, only 3.5km had been done on the Zambian side.
In an effort to complete the rail line, the Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Communications and Transport (MCT), decided to construct the rail line on a Build- Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) basis.

To this end, the MCT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with V3 Consulting Engineers in 1999, to source funds for a feasibility study for the construction of the Chipata/Mchinji Railway Line.

The Zambia National Tender Board authority was sought and granted to the MCT.
Following the study, V3 Consulting Engineers recommended, among other things, for the Zambian Government to source donor funding up to 40% and the balance of 60% to come from the V3 Consulting Engineers.

However, the Government was unable to secure the 40% towards the cost of the project.

Consequently, this resulted in the failure by V3 Consulting Engineers to secure the other 60% funds from the private sector, and therefore, the BOT arrangement could not take off.
In 2003, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning also entered into another MOU with Edlow Resources Limited (ERL), a company registered in Bermuda to carry out a feasibility study, and subsequently mobilised resources for the same project.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning signed the MOU with ERL.

In the meantime, V3 had surveyed and evaluated the project and concluded that it was economically not viable, unless the rail line was connected to TAZARA Line at Government cost.
Government policy on the matter was that the private sector should construct the rail line on Build- Operate-and-Transfer basis.

In September 2005, the MCT, sought and obtained Tender Board authority to engage ERL into discussion with Government in order to agree on terms and conditions of completing the construction of the rail line.
In October 2005, the Ministry constituted an Inter-Ministerial Task Committee to prepare a draft concession agreement and negotiate with Edlow Resources Limited (ERL) on the terms and conditions of constructing the Chipata/Mchinji Rail Line and a Dry Port.

The Inter-Ministerial Task Committee comprised the following institutions; i.

Ministry of Communications and Transport; ii.

Ministry of Finance and National Planning; iii.

Ministry of Justice; iv.


Zambia Railways Limited; v. Zambia Privatisation Agency; vi.

Zambia Investment Centre; and vii.

Zambia National Tender Board.

The Inter-Ministerial Task Committee presented a report on the negotiations with ERL on Chipata/Mchinji Railway Project to the Ministry’s Deputy Ministers and Senior Management on 30th December, 2005.

After evaluating the proposal from ERL, the Government was going to donate materials on site to an investor at a nominal fee.
It was observed that Government’s contribution was going to out tweigh the contribution from ERL.

Government was going to contribute 81% while the investor was going to contribute 18.9%.

It was, therefore, decided that the Government would construct the rail line and concession it to ERL upon completion, whilst ERL would construct the Dry Port on Build-Operate- Transfer Basis (BOT).
The total cost of the rail project was estimated at US$9,919,500.00, (ZMK 5 32,182,500,000) while that of the Dry-Port was estimated to cost US$480,000.00 (ZMK1,680,000,000 ) (Exchange rate: K3,500.00 Per US$1.00).

Dry Port Construction Further, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the Dry Port would be a new facility and would be near the existing Chipata Station.

The site had water, power and sewerage systems in place.
However, ERL was expecting GRZ to provide connections of these utilities to the warehouse.

Access to the site would be from Chadiza Road, an existing unpaved road running from the centre of Chipata to the vicinity of Chipata Railway Station.

The Chadiza Road was generally wide and well graded to a point of about 1 km from the proposed railway terminal.

From this location, ERL was expecting that GRZ would construct a road to the railway terminal facility.
GRZ was also expected to extend the railway line to the Dry Port.

The Acting Permanent reported that in the past, Government failed to complete the construction of the rail line because of budgetary constraints.

However, for the first time since 1982, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning released the balance of K3.9 billion in the financial year 2006 budget.

If all those monies were released, the project would have a total of K11.8 billion in cash which translated to US $3,371,428.57.
The project implementation period would be 18 months and the Ministry intended to commission the project on 1 April 2006.

A Project Engineer would be seconded from Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) while the rest of workers would be recruited from ex-ZRL employees and also from Chipata and Eastern Province as a whole.
On the time-frame regarding the construction of the railway line, bearing in mind that the project had been outstanding since 1982, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the project would be completed in eighteen months’ time.

He reiterated that the project required $10 million for its completion.
On whether the Ministry was considering connecting Chipata/Mchinji Railway Line to TAZARA line, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the feasibility study conducted revealed that the line would be economically viable.

However, the study indicated that Government needed to fund the project although, Government policy on the matter was that the private sector should construct the rail line on Build-Operate- and-Transfer basis.
6 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that despite the good plans and ideas being presented on the construction of Chipata/Mchinji Railway Line, the actual works had not commenced.

They however, resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
04/96 Improving Zambia Railways Operations and Mulobezi Rail Line On 13th February, 1996, the Honourable Minister assured the House that his Ministry was committed to improving Zambia Railways operations through programmes intended to rehabilitate the track and signaling system to ensue that accidents such as the one which occurred at Mukwela did not happen.

Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In his update to your Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry had concessioned Zambia Railways operations to Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ).

The Ministry had received various complaints about the performance of Railway Systems of Zambia since its inception.

The Ministry was currently holding discussions with RSZ with a view to re-negotiate the Concession Agreement and review the performance parameters, in order to satisfy national interests.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that Railway Systems of Zambia has many operational problems and wonder why the Ministry’s still committed in engaging them to run Mulobezi rail line.

They nevertheless, resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
25/03 Information, Communication and Technology Policy (ICT) During the debate of the Report of your Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply, on 5th November, 2003, the Honourable Minister informed the House as follows; “My Ministry is still in the process of developing the Information, Communication Policy……… after the development the Ministry…….. intends to review the Telecommunications Act and align it to the provisions of the Policy.” 7 Your previous Committee had noted last years submission and resolved that they be updated on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry, through Communications Authority of Zambia, commissioned a number of World Bank funded studies pertaining to the following issues which related to major tenets of the ICT Policy:- i. review of the licensing frame work in Zambia; ii.

development of an interconnection framework; iii.

assessment of market opportunities for the provision of ICT services in rural and unserviced communities; iv.
assessment of opportunities for private sector participation in the provision of ICT in rural areas; and v. modalities of establishment of a rural management of and access to the fund.

telecommunication development fund including The above studies, which included public hearings and workshops, culminated in the drafting of the ICT Bill which would soon be submitted to Cabinet and ultimately to Parliament for enactment as a legislation.
The ICT Bill sought to deal with issues such as technology neutrality, enforcement and composition of the Authority’s Board in a long term and decisive manner.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the enactment of the ICT Bill to operationalise the ICT Policy in the country.
04/96 New Solwezi Post Office Construction On 27th October, 1992, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the construction of the new Solwezi Post Office was anticipated to start in 1993 after sourcing funds from donor countries to meet the costs.

Your previous Committee resolved to be availed with a progress report on the matter.

8 In updating your Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that the estimated additional cost of construction to be borne by Government was K250,000,000.00.
Zampost had available, a sum of K200,000,000.00 bringing the total cost of the said construction to K450,000,000,000.00.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance talked of a new post office and it did not deal with the extension of the existing one.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the construction of the new Solwezi Post Office.
17/04 Vubwi Post Office On 22nd July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport made the following assurance on the floor of the House.

“Mr Speaker, we are moving fast and funds permitting, Vubwi Post Office will be attended to very soon.” Your previous Committee had urged the Ministry not to abandon the people of Vubwi Constituency but to look at other innovative ways of servicing the area such as the use of mobile postal services.
In updating your Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary reported that in an effort not to abandon the people of Vubwi Constituency, Zampost approached a number of individuals to take up the agency-ship of a postal outlet in Vubwi.

However, up to now, no offer had been received.

The road network was still impassable and the corporation was unable to travel there even if it opted for mobile services once a week.
As mentioned in the earlier update that due to lack of finances, to build or rent a building, maintain permanent staff and move mail, Zampost was unable to have a permanent presence in Vubwi.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee wish to insist that the Ministry strives hard to ensure that the people of Vubwi have a permanent structure constructed to serve as a post office there.

They resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
9 MINISTRY OF HEALTH 03/99 Amendment of the National Health Services Act On 24th February, 1999, the Honourable Minister assured the House that: “We are amending the National Health Services Act to make the Management Boards more effective, restructuring the Central Board of Health to make it lean, cost-effective and efficient, re- establishing the Provincial Health Offices with effect from 1st April, 1999, reviewing and finalizing the National Health Care Financing Policy and revisiting the public employed doctors engaged in private practice.” Your previous Committee were not happy with the progress made on the implementation of the assurance.
They resolved to await a report on the matter.

In his update on the assurance, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the repeal of the National Health Services Act of 1995 was included on the June/July Parliamentary agenda of that year.

During the June/July sitting of the House, the National Health Services Act of 1995 was repealed.
The President of Zambia had since assented to the new Act and the Honourable Minister of Health had already endorsed the Statutory Instrument to bring the new Act into force.
He further stated that the Ministry was currently in the process of ensuring that all the liabilities, assets and other issues of personnel, particularly issues of ghost workers in the Ministry, personnel dual employment, board employees, civil servants, civil servants seconded to Health Management Boards and general clean up of the payroll system were dealt with by respective boards together with the unions, Ministry of Health, Public Service Management Division and Ministry of Finance and National Planning (Office of the Accountant General).
The whole exercise to clean up the process was expected to end by the second quarter of 2006.

The rationale for allowing the boards to do the clean up themselves was because they were the ones that were making decisions and also to ensure that Government did not inherit things that could be avoided by simply involving the people at the grass root level.
The Permanent Secretary also reported that as indicated during the Ministers’ presentation of the Bill to Parliament to repeal the Act, the management of the implementation of the new Act should ensure that there was minimal or no disruption of the provision of health services in the nation.

Therefore, the Ministry was treading carefully and taking precautions not to fall in the same trap and avoid putting Government in an awkward position.
With regard to payment of terminals benefits of the staff, who previously belonged to the boards and were currently transferred to the Ministry of Health, the Permanent Secretary reported that Government had respected all the contracts which the employees who belonged to the board signed.

However, upon those contracts expiring, the employees were free to be re-engaged as employees of the Ministry of Health under the Conditions of Service of the Ministry.
On what the Ministry was doing on alleged ghost workers who were a drain of financial resources on the Government, the Permanent Secretary submitted that it was for that reason that the dissolution of the Central Board of Health had been effected because there were cases of dual employment and that of ghost workers which were in reality a drain on public resources.

The involvement of Public Management Division would help clean up the system.
At the end of the exercise, the Ministry would complete a list and report to your Committee accordingly.

On the amount which was lost by the Zambian Government through the ghost workers anomaly, the Permanent Secretary reported that the cleaning up process had not yet finished.

However, so far, Government had lost about K1.4 billion through that anomaly.

10 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed.
They resolve to close it.

05/91 Rehabilitation of Chipata, Kasama, Kabwe and Livingstone Nurses Training Schools The Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House on 20th February, 2001: “Also we have some money to improve Chipata, Kasama, Kabwe and Livingstone Nurses Training Schools.
We are going to rehabilitate these training schools and buy new equipment.” Your previous Committee, while concerned that the serious job had not started, resolved to request for an update on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the four training schools were rehabilitated through funding from the Africa Development Bank, (ADB) (80%) and the Government of the Republic of Zambia, (GRZ) (20%).
The following tabulations showed the contractors, bid sums and when the contracts would end: End of Contract December 2005/extended to March, 2006 November, January, 2006 April, 2006 September, 2005/extended to February, 2006 extended to Contact No.
Contract 1 Lot 1 Contractor Tomorrow/Emsworth Bid Sum US$1,799,352.59 Contract 2 Lot 1 G M International US$1,579,558.89 Contract 1 Lot 2 Contract 2 Lot 2 Millers Construction Limited Hua Chang Limited Infrastructure US$1,855,592.00 US$1,216,613.99 Current Status of the Nursing Schools in terms of Rehabilitations Contract 1 Lot 1 awarded to: Name of School Percentage of work done Contract 2 Lot 1 awarded to: Name of Schools Percentage of work done Contract 1 Lot 2 awarded to: Name of School Percentage of work done Contract 2 Lot 2 awarded to: Name of School Percentage of work done Tomorrow/Emsworth JV Kasama Nursing School 40% G M International Kabwe Nursing School 95% Millers Construction Limited Livingstone Nursing School 70% Hua Chang Infrastructure Chipata Nursing School 95% 11 Comments of Quality of Work – Rehabilitations The Permanent Secretary reported that the current contracts, which were about to expire between the Ministry of Health and the Design Contractors, only allowed the consultants to inspect the works on sites once a month.
However, the Ministry had requested the Environment Health Specialists in these areas to be checking on quality of work done on a weekly basis.

The Ministry had confidence in the specialists that anomalies would be dealt with in time and accordingly.

GRZ Non Payment of the 20% to the Contractors He pointed out that ever since the contractors moved on site, Government had not fulfilled their contribution towards the project.
To date, Government owed all the contractors under this project a total of ZMK 4,574,424,995.37.

Change in Scope of Works The Permanent Secretary submitted that most of the buildings had to be under pinned due to the age and the numerous cracks they had developed.

This exercise increased the scope of work.


Main Constraints Regarding the main constraints, the Permanent Secretary reported that the non-payment of the 20% contribution to the project by Government had proved to be a draw back in terms of smooth implementation of the civil works.

All the contracts had cited this as one of the reasons for not completing on time.

The Government had currently started paying interest on the delayed payments (of 20%) which had accrued to the contractors.
The contractors had even threatened to suspend or slow progress of works on site due to the non-payment of the 20% Government contribution.

The end of contract dates in the table would be distorted again if Government did not pay the 20%.

Provision of Equipment and Training Materials Regarding the provision of equipment and training materials, the Permanent Secretary submitted that all the nursing schools had received equipment, teaching materials, library books and furniture.
The project made savings from the procurement of the above cited goods.

The savings had been utilised by floating another international competitive tender for the procurement of more equipment, teaching materials and library books.

The contracts for the same had been signed.

The goods were expected to be delivered by the end of April, 2006.
On your Committee being disappointed with the supervision of rehabilitation work going on at Livingstone Nurses Training School during their tour in the previous year, the Permanent Secretary reported that your Committee’s concern had been taken care of.

That was the reason why the rehabilitation works were currently at 98%.

The consultant, Millers Construction Limited, was taken to task after your Committee raised the concern.
On why the rehabilitation works were at different levels in the different Nurses Training Schools, the Permanent Secretary reported that the extent of rehabilitations differed depending on whether the rehabilitations were applied to a substructure or to a superstructure.

Further, the availability of funding also affected the pace at which the rehabilitations were done.
This therefore, explained why Livingstone Nurses Training School was at 98% of rehabilitations while Kasama Nurses Training School was at 45%.

12 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the rehabilitation works are on-going.

They resolve to request for a progress report on the matter.
32/02 Cancer Centre On 5th December, 2002, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, we are in the processing or planning phase of the Cancer Centre at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

It is on-going and it will be realized shortly.” Your previous Committee had expressed their concern over the time frame regarding the operationalisation of the project.

They had insisted on being given the specific time frame in which the assurance would be implemented in totality.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the progress report covered four components of the project namely; Civil Works He reported that the contactor finished the construction of the building on 16th December, 2005.

A planned inspection of all the rooms in the building to check for any snags was undertaken from 9th January, 2006.

A complete handover of the building to the Ministry of Health would be determined by the snags list.
The staff recruited to work at the radiotherapy centre, however, occupied the offices on 3rd January, 2006 to start preparatory work for the operation of the centre.

Supply, Delivery and Installation of Equipment Regarding the supply, delivery and installation of equipment, the Permanent Secretary reported that the equipment from the two main suppliers (Siemens International and Simed International) was delivered to the radiotherapy centre from 15th October, 2005.
Mechanical installation of all equipment was done from 15th to 30th October, 2005.

The acceptance testing was done from 15th to 31st January, 2006.

Thereafter, commissioning and calibration of equipment were undertaken by the medical physics team.

The commissioning and calibration of equipment was expected to last two months or up to the end of March, 2006.
Training On training of staff for the Cancer Centre, the Permanent Secretary reported that a total of 16 officers were sent for training in radiation oncology and related fields.

The status of training for each cadre was as follows: 13 FIELD Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist NO.

SENT FOR TRAINING 4 3 Therapy Radiography Maintenance technician 7 2 Clinical Implementation DURATION 4 years 2 years 2 years 9 months COMPLETION EXPECTED PERIOD July 2007 One completed in April, 2005.
Two would complete in October, 2006 All completed and had returned home Both had completed and had returned home On the clinical implementation, the Permanent Secretary reported that the clinical implementation team organized a workshop in August, 2005 to develop further the treatment protocols for common cancers seen at UTH.

The workshop was facilitated by an expert from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Protocols were developed for gynecological cancers, cancer of the esophagus and breast cancer.

On how the radiation levels would be handled at the Cancer Centre, the Permanent Secretary reported that the construction of the Cancer Centre and the installation of the equipment were the work of specialists who followed relevant and strict guidelines and procedures to avoid unforeseen accidents and damages to the workers and the surrounding environment.
In fact, there was a radiation gadget installed at the Centre to detect any leakages.

So there were procedures, regulations and policies put in place to handle radiation levels.

On the measures put in place to retain highly skilled workers at the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, reported that the Ministry had embarked on improving salaries, providing accommodation and car loans, support for further education and the education of children for key health workers particularly the doctors.
He then appealed to your Committee to support the Ministry in calling for increased allocation of resources to the Ministry of Health.

He emphasised that most of the highly skilled Zambian workers would want to come back to Zambia if only the conditions of service were improved and were competitive with those of the neighboring countries particularly those in the SADC region.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed.
They resolve to close it.

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 48/87 Renovation of Police Camps throughout the country On 8th December, 1987, the Honourable Minister assured the House that his Ministry was making every effort to secure funds to carry out necessary renovations of Police camps throughout the country.

Your previous Committee had commended the Ministry for having implemented part of the assurance.

However, they requested a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the renovations and rehabilitations of 14 police camps country wide was a continuous programme.

He said it must be appreciated that the camps were numerous and could not all be done at the same time.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Zambia Police Service, had put up a deliberate policy of including it on the budget of each year.
This year (2006) there was an amount of K2,350,000,000 for renovation and rehabilitation of camps.
The Permanent Secretary submitted that the following renovations and rehabilitations or repair works had been completed:- a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) painting of houses in Chelstone and Sikanze Police Camps – Lusaka; electrification of Balmoral Police Camp houses – Lusaka West; rehabilitation of Mpatamato Police Camp cells and sewer system – Luanshya; rehabilitation of water boreholes and State Lodge Police Camp – Lusaka; renovation of Kalabo Police Station; rehabilitation of Nambuluma Police camp in Chinsali; rehabilitation of Choma Police Camp; rehabilitation of Nyimba Police Station where roofs were ripped off; and rehabilitation of Livingstone Central Police Station where the roof was ripped off.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the above works were in addition to the ones which were done in 2004 namely: a) b) rehabilitation of Yobe Police Camp in Kitwe; and rehabilitation of Solwezi Police Camp.
On whether the Ministry tendered the projects they embarked on, the Permanent Secretary confirm that this was done and went on to elaborate that when a need for building or rehabilitation arose, they wrote the Ministry of Works and Supply informing them that they had money for the identified project.

It was the Ministry of Works and Supply which did the tendering as experts and selected the best bidder.
On whether there was overall policy on the construction of houses not only of police staff but for other civil servants such as teachers, health personnel and immigration as well as Prison Service staff, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that the problem of housing was bigger than what was being presented.
On whether the morale of officers had been assessed with regard to the housing problem, the Permanent Secretary submitted that one could easily tell from mere observation that the morale of officers was not high with regard to the housing problem.

In addition, other factors such as lack of operation equipment and poor salaries contributed to the low morale of workers.
On whether the assurance which was made in 1987 on the rehabilitation of Police camps throughout the country would be addressed this year, the Permanent Secretary reported that renovations or rehabilitations had already started.

He gave the example of Yobe Police Camp in Kitwe and Solwezi Police Camp where renovations or rehabilitations had been completed.
On why the renovations, as seen by your previous Committee when they toured Sikanze Police Camp last year, were of substandard quality, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was for that reason that they would rather engage foreign contractors because they almost always produced quality work as opposed to shoddy work produced by many local contractors.
He also informed your Committee that in the recent past, he had held a meeting with big experienced companies to embark on quality construction of houses for Police officers.

It was learnt that Cabinet would decide on their behalf as to who would do the construction, especially after the selling of institutional houses.

15 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance is not fully addressed.

They wish to request for a progress report on the matter.
28/97 Police Airwing In reply to a question on when the Police Force would establish an Airwing, the Hon Minister informed the House that when the money became available, his Ministry would establish the wing.

Your previous Committee were of the opinion that nothing serious had been done to address the airwing assurance.

Subsequently, they resolved to await the progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the establishment of a Police Air wing was dependent on the acquisition of a helicopter.

This had not happened because of cost implications.

However, he submitted that when the idea was mooted, some officers were trained as chopper pilots by the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).

The absence of a chopper within the force meant that the officers were deployed elsewhere.
The Zambia Police Service had of late made a provision of K2,500,000,000 in the 2006 budget for the refurbishment of one helicopter to set the Air wing in motion.

The refurbishment work was scheduled to be completed at the end of the third quarter of 2006.
On the concern of utilizing K2.5 billion to refurbish a helicopter instead of buying a new one, from a cheaper source such as Brazil, to operationalise the Police Air wing, the Permanent Secretary reported that the idea of refurbishing a helicopter from Zambia Air Force (ZAF) was mooted last year.

However, over the year, it was agreed to purchase a new helicopter from either France or other countries.

It was argued that a new helicopter was durable with a reduced accident rate.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance is not adequately addressed.

They request for a progress report on the matter.

05/99 Building of two Juvenile Detention Centres On 26th November, 1999, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “ We are also discussing the issue of building two Juvenile Detention Centres.
Hon Members are aware that we have only one Juvenile Reform School, Katombora, which is for males.

Those juveniles who are jailed for less than four years go to ordinary prisons.

We believe that building of juvenile centres for younger males will cater for that.

At the same time, we are looking at another one for females.” Your previous Committee felt that the response given was not satisfactory at all.

They insisted to be availed with a well researched update on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that, while the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Zambia Prisons Service would like to agree with the idea of building, two Juvenile Detention Centres, they did not find it prudent enough to do so when the existing infrastructure were not fully utilised either because of not having enough juvenile offenders or the facilities available were in deplorable state.
He stated that, at times, it was also due to lack of transport to move juveniles from where they committed offences to where the centres were.

In emphasising the point, the Permanent Secretary pointed out the Katombola Reformatory was built to accommodate 100 juveniles but this figure was rarely achieved.

16 Similarly, Namkabala Approved School in Mazabuka had a capacity of thirty boys but rarely reached ten boys.
In light of the above, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Prisons Service was of the view that it was better to improve on the existing facilities and maximise their use when and if transport was made available.

On transport, the Prisons Service was awaiting the next fleet of vehicles from India.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs was in agreement with your Committee on the need to have a female detention center even if offenders in this category were extremely rare.

Thus the Prisons Service had been instructed to conduct a feasibility study with a view of building a centre for girls.
On the concern that the Ministry was apparently changing the policy on building juvenile detention centres, the Permanent Secretary reported that they had not done away with the policy.

They would stagger in constructing the juvenile detention centres through the years.

However, in the interim, Katombora Reformatory School and Nakambala Juvenile School were adequate.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance is superficially addressed.
They resolve to request for a progress report on the matter.

26/02 Refugee influx On 7th March, 2002, the Honourable Minister informed the House that it would be his task to look at the serious problem of refugee influx and administration and find solutions to them in conjunction with co- operating partners.

Your previous Committee had urged the Government to speed up the repatriation of Rwandese and Angolan refugees with a view to closing the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Angolan Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, planned to undertake the voluntary repatriation programme of Angolan refugees in three years from 2003 and ending in 2005.

A total of 63,234 refugees had so far been repatriated back to Angola since the exercise started in 2003.
He presented the breakdown of the total number of Angolan refugees repatriated since 2003 as shown in the table below: YEAR MAHEBA MAYUKWAYUKWA 2003 2004 2005 Total 1,111 9,677 2,871 13,659 17,029 11,383 5,827 34,239 NANGWESHI - 4,281 8,961 13,242 UKWIMI - 2,184 - 2,184 TOTAL 18,140 27,525 17,525 63,324 However, he pointed out that considering the large number of Angolan refugees remaining in the settlements and camps, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Angolan Government and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees constituted the Zambia/Angola/UNHCR Tripartite commission.
The Commission held a meeting on March 1st and 2nd, 2006.

The Tripartite Commission meeting agreed to extend the voluntary repatriation exercise to the end of the 2006 and hoped that this would be the final year.

Having said that, the Permanent Secretary reported that at the close of the 2005 repatriation exercise, 26,828 Angolan refugees remained in the camps and settlements.
In addition to the refugees in the camps and settlements, 22,298 spontaneously settled Angolan refugees were registered in 2005 out of whom, 18,816 registered to be repatriated back to Angola in 2006.

17 Rwandese Refugees With regard to the repatriation of Rwandese refugees, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the slow pace of the repatriation has continued to pose a challenge to the Ministry.
This had mainly been due to suspicions and fears by Rwandese refugees about their security upon return to Rwanda.

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Rwandese Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, had together continued to sensitise those refugees on the need for them to repatriate back to Rwanda.
Additionally, the Government of the Republic of Zambia had continued to negotiate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the invocation of a cessation close for the Rwandese refugees.
The Permanent Secretary submitted that so far, only 157 Rwandese refugees had been repatriated since the voluntary repatriation programme started in 2003 as shown in the table below: 2003 2004 2005 Total 106 32 19 157 At the close of 2005, Zambia played host to 5,661 Rwandese refugees mainly resident in camps and settlements.
On the reported resistance of some refugees regarding being repatriated to their countries of origin, the Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that the process of repatriating Angolan refugees had started and it was proceeding at a good pace.

The few who resisted being repatriated did so because of fear that Governments of their countries of origin might do something harmful to them.
Further, other refugees refused to go back to their countries of origin because they were owed money not by the Zambia Initiative Prgrammes but by the local people.

Others simply offered many lame excuses for refusing to go back to their home countries.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that some of such refugees ended up being rounded up by Immigration Department.
On the concern of that the Rwandese refugees were not willing to go back to Rwanda as some of them were doing all sorts of businesses in compounds as well as perpetrating crime by selling dangerous firearms, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government of Zambia was equally worried by the continued stay of Rwandese refugees in Zambia.

He further submitted that one way of solving the problem was to invoke the United Nations Clause which referred to cessation of war in Rwanda.
This information should be disseminated to the Rwandese so that they could willingly opt to return to their country.

The Zambian Government could not simply expel the refugees from the country because there were legal implications which the action would entail as Zambia was party to many United Nations conventions.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that repatriation of Rwandese and Angolan refugees is progressing at a slow pace.
They resolve to await progress report on the matter.

06/03 Nsumbu Immigration Office On 31st July, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following response to a question raised on the floor of the House: 18 “a new immigration office will be built at Nsumbu Boarder Post as soon as funds are made available.
The Nsumbu Immigration Post will soon benefit from the fleet of vehicles which the Immigration Department will be sourcing soon.” Your previous Committee resolved to await the progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Department of Immigration, felt very disappointed that the Nsumbu Immigration Office construction was not one of the activities which was approved in the 2005 budget.

Hence, no progress was made.


However, it was hoped that this time round, it could be included, as this would coincide with the department’s restructuring process due to commence this year (2006).

On the transport for Nsumbu Immigration office, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was understood that the office would have benefited from the Indian vehicles but it was left out with a view that they waited for the subsequent deliveries from the same source.
It was being hoped that this would be achieved in 2006.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and resolve to await a progress report on the matter as nothing at all has been achieved in addressing the assurance.

16/03 Expansion of Kamwala and Chimbokaila Prisons During the questions for oral answers on 4th November, 2003, the Honourable Minister informed the House as follows: “ Kamwala Prison will be expanded when funds are made available.
Chimbokaila Prison will also be expanded when funds are made available.

The Drawings and Bills of Quantities are ready, pending the availability of funds.” Your previous Committee were disappointed that nothing had been done in as far as the expansion of Kamwala and Chimbokaila Prisons were concerned and requested to be furnished with a progress report.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that in terms of expansion of Kamwala and Chimbokaila Prisons, nothing had been done to both prisons.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Prisons Service, was of the view that the expansion of the two prisons was primarily to decongest them.
Since Mwembeshi Prison was found to be more suitable to cater for that need, the Ministry considered it fit to transfer prisoners from Kamwala and Chimbokaila Prisons to Mwembeshi Prison which had adequate space.

Furthermore, the expansion works at the two prisons would also pose some security problems as some prisoners were quite dangerous and could take advantage of the construction works taking place.
However, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was worth mentioning that the two prisons had been worked on in terms of rehabilitating the existing systems such as water and sewer to make them more habitable.

The Permanent Secretary, submitted that an amount of K4,074,144,427.00 had been allocated in the year 2006 budget for expansion and improvement of prison cells.
19 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that nothing tangible has been done in as far as the expansion of Kamwala and Chimbokaila prisons was concerned.

They request a progress report on the matter.


17/03 Completion of Mwembeshi State Prison On 4th November, 2003, the Honourable Minister informed the House that: “We are trying to make all efforts to slot this requirement of Mwembeshi Prison in next year’s budget and should that be approved, we are going to commence the works.” Your previous Committee, noted the submission and requested an update on the works.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the two dormitories had been completed bringing the number of completed ones to three.

The Prisons Service would continue to allocate funds annually so as to complete more dormitories.

This year, an amount of K856,446,404.00 had been allocated.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report on the remaining works.
18/03 Telecommunication System - Muoyo Police Post On 14th August, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister informed the House as follows: “On the question of Muoyo Police Post, we are sourcing for funds for a basic telecommunications system.” Your previous Committee had urged the Ministry to speed up the process as they awaited the progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the clearance was granted and the Zambia Police Force was now processing the acquisition of the communications equipment.

Muoyo Police Post should have basic communication device by the end of the second quarter of 2006.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that very little has been accomplished in addressing the assurance.

They request for a progress report.


03/04 Police Stations or Posts in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency - 2004 On 13th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Home Affairs assured the House as follows: “However, a budgetary provision has been made in the 2004 activity-based budget for building and renovating Police Stations and Posts.
Thus, as and when funds are released, the Chief’s areas in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency of Mwateshi in Shikabeta; and Lukwipa in Mpanshya, will have Police Stations or Posts put up accordingly.” 20 Your previous Committee had requested a progress report on the matter.

In his update on the assurance, the Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that the putting up of a new Police Station had been included in the Fifth National Development Plan: 2006-2010.
This would be an on going project and stations would be built as and when funds were released in line with the Fifth National Development Plan.

Meanwhile, Police Posts were being built as community initiated programmes, dependent on crime situations in the areas and availability of officers to man the posts.

The Police Command did access Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency Police Posts.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and observe that no implementation had taken place.
They therefore, request for a progress report.

MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY 69/93 Choma/Namwala Road On 16th July, 1993, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the Choma/Namwala road would be tarred in phases as soon as the initial K90 million was released.

He further stated that the project would be implemented by the end of 1993.

Your previous Committee requested the Permanent Secretary to impress upon the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to fund the road project.
They further advised the Ministry to consider assurance number 27/03 Choma - Chitongo Road along with this assurance as they awaited the progress report on the matter.

In his updated submission on the assurance, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning released a total amount of ZMK 11 billion for the upgrading of the Choma-Chitongo Road in 2005.
A total amount of ZMK 6 billion out of ZMK 11 billion was paid as principal amount to the contractor, Basil Read and the Consultant, Sheladia.

In the 2006 budget, there was a provision of a total amount of ZMK 11 billion for the road project.

The Ministry of Works and Supply had two meetings in mid January and in March, 2006 with the contractor and consultant, respectively.

The contractor outlined, at the second meeting, how he was going to do the works.
The contractor indicated that he was able to carry out and complete the works to resurface level of the first 10 kilometers from Choma.

He was expected to begin the works towards the end of April, 2006.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that work is still on-going.

They urge Government to source more funds to complete the road project.

They resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
41/97 Hostel Accommodation in Mansa and Kasama The Honourable Minister on 27th February, 1997 assured the House that: “During the 1997 period, my Ministry will try to provide hostel accommodation in Mansa and Kasama by completing and officially opening or commissioning the Mansa and Kasama Hostel.” Your previous Committee did not accept the submission on the basis that plans were based on 2006 budget which the house had not yet approved.
They requested the Permanent Secretary to make a submission based on the 2005 budget and report progress on the matter.

21 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that Kasama Lodge was completed and was officially opened by the Republican Vice-President on Friday June 24th, 2005.

As for Mansa Lodge, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Director of Buildings Department had just completed compiling the bills of quantities in readiness for submission to the Tender Committee.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee recommend that the assurance on hostel accommodation in Mansa and Kasama should be partially closed as Kasama Lodge is adequately accomplished.

There is need to follow up on the completion of work at Mansa Lodge.

The progress report is awaited on the matter.
42/97 Lusaka/Chipata (Great East) Road On 27th February, 1997 the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “ I wish to confirm to this August House that this particular project will receive my ministry’s immediate review and at a later date I will be able to come back to this House and give you the action taken so far.” Your previous Committee had requested an update on the holding maintenance works on the Katete- Chipata Road following the sourcing of K4 billion from the National Roads Fund Agency.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the maintenance of Nyimba up to Katete was completed in December, 2005.

The holding maintenance for the section between Katete and Chipata up to Mwami Boarder was awarded to Sable Transport in 2005 and the works commenced in February, 2006.

A stretch of 50 kilometres would receive full maintenance and the rest of the stretch would be subjected to pothole patching and wherever possible, application of slurry seal would be undertaken.
The Permanent Secretary further submitted that the maintenance of the road project was being financed through the fuel levy account administered by National Roads Fund Agency (NRFA).

Under the National Roads Fund Agency, there was a provision of ZMK 15.8 billion in the 2006 budget for the road project.
On the concern why certain roads were highly attended to by donors while other roads like the Great East Road was not adequately taken care of, the Permanent Secretary reported that donors chose where to go depending on certain characteristics they employed though the Ministry could now try to influence the donors as they were being encouraged to channel their resources on projects dealing with the Ministry in one basket at the Ministry.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and observe that work on the Great East Road is on-going.

They urge the Ministry to speed up the process as they await a progress report.
59/97 Livingstone/Kazungula/Fourways Road Bridge On 30th September, 1997, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Plans are underway between the Zambia and Botswana Governments to construct a bridge across the Kazungula crossing point.” Your previous Committee requested for an update on the project.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Governments of Zambia and Botswana realised the importance of the project for the regional economies and hence in 2004, they jointly 22 advertised for the Expression of Interest (EOI) from would be investors for the implementation of the project on a Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) basis.

Six firms were short listed.

However, the implementation awaited the conduct of detailed engineering design study of the project.
This study would assist in making the costing and engineering aspect of the project clearer.

The African Development Bank (ADB) was keen to support the project.

The bank was willing to consider providing a grant to conduct detailed engineering design of the project upon request by the two Governments.

A request for a grant of US $3.5 million to finance the detailed design study had been sent to ADB in form of a joint letter by the two Governments.

The response from ADB was being awaited.


Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request an update on the project.

61/97 Luampa/Machile Road On 1st October, 1997, the Honourable Minister assured the House that: “Tenders for the Luampa/Machile Road are being processed and that works on the road would cover Luampa, Machile, Mulobezi and Sesheke.” Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the carrying out of the survey and detailed design for the maintenance of Luampa-Machile Road was completed in November, 2005, by Messers Brian Colquhoum, Hugh’O’ Donnell and Partners.

He pointed out that it was worth mentioning that special consideration was being given to the project area due to being sandy.

The Engineer was evaluating possible maintenance method to be used on the road.

The road works would only be carried out in 2007.


Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee resolve to wait for an update on the matter.

62/97 Chingola/Solwezi Road On 2nd October, 1997, the Honourable Minister made the following undertaking on the floor of the House: “ Mr Speaker, rehabilitation of the Chingola/Solwezi Road is one of the priority items included under Roadsip in the second trenche.
The Government is currently scouting for funds and preparatory work on the documentation will be taken up during 1998.

It is, therefore, likely that the rehabilitation work may commence during the same year.” Your previous Committee commended the Permanent Secretary for rehabilitating 130km stretch of the road.

They had further commended the Ministry for contracting a firm to carry out full maintenance on the portions of the road which were initially omitted.
To this effect, they requested for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the scope of the civil works were completed at the end of November, 2005.

Due to further deterioration of the road, additional works were procured and issued as a Variation Order (VO) to the contractor.

The contractor began carrying out the works contained in the VO in February 2006.

The works had been substantially completed.


However, the works were under twelve months defect liability period.

23 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and observe that adequate progress has been made on the road construction and maintenance.

They resolve to close the assurance.


63/97 Chama/Matumbo Bridge The Honourable Minister made the following undertaking on the floor of the House on 18th November, 1997: “ Mr Speaker, the construction of this important bridge over the Luangwa River has been put under Roadsip programme of work for 1998.
Work on the same bridge will only commence as soon as funds are made available for the particular job in question.” Your previous Committee had noted the year’s submission and requested the Ministry to report progress.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that due to the width of the river at Matumbo bridge site, the installation of the Bailey bridge, taken from Nkalamabwe, would not be possible.

A feasibility study had to be conducted.


The Ministry was preparing the request for the proposal to carry out the feasibility study for the proposed construction of Chama-Matumbo Bridge.

A total amount of K700 million had been provided for the studies in the 2006 budget.

On whether the Nkalamabwe bridge would fit on Chama-Matumbo site, the Permanent Secretary reported that they were still studying the components of the Bailey bridge at Nkalamabwe so that they could go and fit it where it was narrowest.
The feasibility report would consider all possible features.

On when the Bailey bridge from Nkalamabwe would be mounted at Chama-Matumbo site, the Permanent Secretary reported that it would be done within a year.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that construction work of Chama- Matumbo Bridge is still pending.

Your Committee request progress report on the matter.
06/99 Installation of a Weigh Bridge at Luangwa The Honourable Minister assured the House on 9th November, 1999 as follows: “ Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply will install one of the weigh bridges received from the Italian Commodity AID when funds for the civil works will be made available to the Ministry.” Your previous Committee observe that it would not be appropriate to pursue only one issue in the Axle Load Programme.
They found it prudent to drop the assurance with a request to regularly update Parliament on the implementation of the new programme.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry of Works and Supply was currently implementing the Axle Load Programme.

Under this programme, modern computerised weighbridges would be constructed at strategic locations along the main road networks.

The construction of a modern computerised weigh bridge at Kapiri-Mposhi had began.
The construction of a similar weigh bridge at Kazungula had already been awarded to a contractor and works would start soon.

The survey at the proposed site for the construction of a weigh bridge in Katete had also began.
24 On whether the Ministry had shifted the goal post with regard to the installation of a weighbridge at Luangwa bridge since they were discussing installation of weighbridges at Kapiri-Mposhi and Katete, the Permanent Secretary reported that the assurance was still outstanding as they would be mounting portable weighbridge from time to time at places like Luangwa bridge.

However, permanent weighbridges had been allocated to Katete and Kapiri-Mposhi as well as Kazungula.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that there has been an apparent shift of policy from installing a permanent weigh bridge at Luangwa to the installation of the same at Kapiri-Mposhi and Katete.

Consequently, your Committee resolve to close the assurance.
07/01 Mansa/Luwingu/Kasama Road The Honourable Minister assured the House on 6th March, 2001 as follows: “Mr Speaker, tarring the 340 kilometre Mansa/Luwingu/Kasama Road to class 1 bitumen standard starts this year, 2001, shortly after the rainy season ends.

The design and the tender documentations have been fully completed.
The estimated cost for the construction is US$70 million and so far, the Government has sourced K5 billion for the project to get started.” Your previous Committee requested an update report on the construction of Mansa/Luwingu/Kasama Road.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the contractor, Messers Sable Transport had completed fifty-six kilometres to resurfacing level between Kasama and Luwingu.

There was lack of progress due to inadequate funding.
The contractor was owed an amount of ZMK 36 billion as at 31st December 2005.

However, in February, 2006, the debt was liquidated.

There was a provision of ZMK 16 billion in the 2006 budget for the project road.

The works were in progress although they were disturbed by adverse weather conditions.

The contract for the holding maintenance of the road between Mansa and Luwingu was awarded in October, 2005 to Messrs Sable Transport at a contract sum of ZMK 3.5 billion.
The contractor had already carried out and completed fifty-two kilometres out of 186 kilometers.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that work has partially been done.

They request for a progress report on the full rehabilitation of the road.
06/02 Empowering Upcoming Small-Scale Contractors On 22nd March, 2002, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “I am working on the measures to implement a deliberate policy to empower small contractors to get loans for procurement of such plant and equipment.” Your previous Committee had observed that while it was important to empower local contractors, quality should not be compromised.
As efforts to empower local contractors were being pursued, monitoring mechanisms should also be enhanced.

They requested for an update on the empowerment of local contractors.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the National Council for Construction (NCC) was initiating a credit rating exercise where contractors would be valuated according to their 25 worthiness.
This would create a medium through which appropriate negotiations between the NCC and financial lending institutions could be made for the sourcing of loans for the local contractors.

The Permanent Secretary further submitted that the NCC was in the process of engaging a consultant to recommend the best option by which local contractors could be empowered with plant and equipment for carrying out their work efficiently and satisfactorily.
In terms of monitoring, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the NCC had set up an inspectorate to constantly monitor the activities of the contractors with respect to their performance.

It was also in the process of establishing a register of projects for effective monitoring of the projects being carried out by the contractors.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee request for a progress report on the matter.
28/02 Lundazi/Chipata Road On 26th November, 2002, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance to the House: “I am also concerned about this.

I am discussing the matter with the Hon Minister of Finance and National Planning to ensure that we find money, for the time being, to patch up the road before the onset of the rains.

However, this road will certainly be worked on next year.” Your previous Committee noted the submission and requested an update on the full rehabilitation of the road.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the evaluation process for the award of the contract and for the feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Lundazi-Chipata Road, to recommend the consultant, Messrs Zulu Burrow Limited, has been completed.

The no-objections from both Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) were granted on 14th March and 26th February, 2006 respectively.
The consultant started mobilising the resources.

It was expected that the contract would be signed by mid April 2006 once the ‘No-Objection’ was received from BADEA.

Thereafter, the commencement of the services would immediately follow.

However, the contractor carrying out the maintenance works was fully paid on 6th January, 2006 and returned to site on 10th January, 2006.

The Ministry had identified additional culverts that required to be rehabilitated because of vandalism.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that work has progressed at a steady pace.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to close the assurance.

29/02 Monze/Nico Road On the 23rd July, 2002, the Honourable Minister informed the House that Monze/Nico Road was one of the roads that he was working on, and that when the transport policy was in place and legislation approved, co- operating partners were prepared to fund the Government.
Your previous Committee had expressed their disappointment with the turn of events on the road.

They observed that the non-release of funds to carry out a detailed engineering design meant that the upgrading of the road would be delayed further.

26 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry was sourcing sufficient funds to carry out the survey, detailed design and preparation of tender documents for the construction of the road project.
In the meantime, a total amount of ZMK 420 million had been provided in the 2006 budget for holding maintenance to prevent further deterioration of the road.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that very little, if anything, is being done on the assurance.

They resolve to await a progress report.


05/03 Mwami Turn Off/Mwami Hospital Road On 15th August, 2003, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “The Mwami Turn-Off Road and Mwami Hospital Road will be rehabilitated under HIPC funds by Chipata Municipal Council, they may have hopefully started at the month end of July this year.” Your previous Committee resolved to request an update report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the maintenance of the Mwami Turn Off/Mwami Hospital Road would be carried out as a variation order to the contract awarded for the maintenance of Katete-Chipata Road by Messrs Sable Transport.

The Ministry had written to the National Roads Fund Agency to incur extra expenditure for the proposed additional works.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for an update on the matter.
08/03 Chipata/Chadiza Road On 15th August, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister informed the House that: “The road from Chipata to Chadiza will receive heavy grading this year using funds from the Poverty Reduction Programme.

The procurement of works is in place and works will commence soon.” Your previous Committee had observed that there was not much hope for the road in 2005 considering the year was more than half way gone.
They had requested the Permanent Secretary to impress upon the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to release the budget sum so that some works could be undertaken in 2006.

Failure to do so would entail that the interest charges by the contractor might absorb future allocations to the project.

They requested a progress report.


In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the money which was budgeted for the 2005 budget was not released and as a result, no works were carried out.

However, in the 2006 budget, there was a provision of ZMK 1 billion for the full maintenance of the road.

The contractors would resume work upon the release of funds.

27 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report.
11/03 Chipata/Mfuwe (Malambo) Road The Honourable Minister made the following assurance on 7th August, 2003: “The Malambo Road is on the list of being tarred when the money is available and we are looking for a donor to tar that road, but not Vubwi.” Your previous Committee had requested for an update on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that considering the willingness of the Norwegian Government to finance the improvement of the Chipata-Mfuwe Road, the design and draft tender documents had been prepared by the Provincial Roads Engineer on behalf of Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) through which Norwegian funding was coming.

Documents had been submitted to ZAWA Headquarters for onward submission to Zambia National Tender Board.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for an update report.

12/03 Chiengi/Kaputa Road On 4th November, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance: “ Maintenance of the roads between Chiengi and Kaputa has been included in the 2004 budget.” Your previous Committee had expressed their disappointment on the failure by the Government to provide funds for the maintenance of the road.
They had strongly urged the Permanent Secretary to intensify efforts of sourcing funds and fulfilling the assurance.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that due to competing demands for full maintenance of roads, the Ministry intended to carry out spot improvements on the project roads.

There was a provision of ZMK 19,510,000,000 in the 2006 budget for spot and routine maintenance of various roads in the country.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report on the matter.

26/03 Kabompo/Mwinilunga Road On 6th November, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister informed the House that: “ the grading of the Kabombo/Mwinilunga Road via Manyinga has been included in next year’s budget and will be graded as soon as those funds are made available.” Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
28 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the periodic maintenance of the Kabompo/Mwinilunga Road would be financed under the European Union Financial Maintenance Programme .

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report.
28/03 Mutanda/Mwinilunga Road On 20th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister re-assured the House as follows: “Mr Speaker, the Ministry intends to carry out periodic maintenance of the road between Mwinilunga and Mutanda.” Your previous Committee had observed that the amount in the 2005 budget was inadequate to carry out full maintenance of the road.

They had, therefore, urged the Permanent Secretary to intensify his efforts of sourcing further funding to commence works.
They resolved to await a progress report.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the contractor, Geo Tech, was engaged to carry out the pothole patching of about 14,700 metre squares of pothole patching.

A total amount of K1 billion had been provided in the 2006 budget for the continuation of the pothole patching.

The progress had been affected by the adverse weather condition.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 20/98 Operations of the Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB) and Hostels Board of Zambia The Honourable Minister made the following undertaking on the floor of the House on 4th February 1998: “My Ministry plans to rationalize the operations of the Zambia National Tourist Board and the Hotels Board and, if feasible, make the necessary legislative amendments.” In noting the submission, your previous Committee resolved to request a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, after concluding consultations with stakeholders, prepared layman’s draft of the two Bills (The Tourism and Hospitality Bill and the Zambia National Tourism Board Bill) and submitted them to the Ministry of Justice for drafting.

The drafts were submitted in September, 2005.


The Ministry of Justice had since informed the Ministry that they were working on the Bills with a view to having them presented to Parliament possibly during the June/July 2006 session.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and await a progress report.
29 13/92 Transport to Tourist Centres On 5th March, 1992, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance: “Mr Chairman, we are looking at the accessibility of these areas to our visitors.

Both the air transport and road network leading to our major areas will therefore, be given priority in our development programme.” Your previous Committee had resolved to request a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the airstrip maintenance programme was normally implemented between the months of May and June each year to facilitate air transportation of tourists into centres when the tourism season opens.

The activities undertaken in 2005 were as follows: Roads In 2005, light grading of roads was done in Southern Luangwa, North Luangwa, Kasanka, Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks.

The works included maintenance of culverts, drifts and bridges.
Details of the grading works were as follows: South Luangwa – 35Km; North Luangwa – 100km; Kasanka – 12km; Lower Zambezi – 8km and Kafue – 200km.

Airstrips The following airstrips were maintained and serviced in 2005 through light grading and cleaning of edges.
Jeki Chunga Ngoma Marulu Puku Lunga Cabins Areas Waka Waka Inga Kasanka Liuwa - - - - - - - - - Lower Zambezi National Park Kafue National Park Kafue National Park North Luangwa National Park Lunga Luswishi Game Management Lupande Game Management Area Bangweulu Game Management Areas Kasanka National Park Liuwa Plains National Park The Permanent Secretary appealed to the Committee to consider closing this assurance because the maintenance of roads and airstrips was a routine undertaking which was successfully progressing.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the Ministry is committed to routine maintenance of the roads and airstrips in the National Parks.

They resolve to have the matter closed.


09/02 Development of a National Environmental Policy On 26th March, 2002, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “We intend to undertake the development of a National Environmental Policy that will provide a framework of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.” Your previous Committee had requested to be updated on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that after the national-wide consultative process that was undertaken in the formulation of the National Policy on Environment (NPE), a final draft of the policy was produced in 2005.

The Ministry had since prepared a Cabinet Memorandum which was 30 circulated in January, 2006.

It was hoped that the draft National Policy on Environment would be approved by Cabinet by mid 2006.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee wish to request for an update on the matter.

19/89 Rubber Plantation in Nchelenge On 5th July, 1998, the Honourable Minister informed the House that Dunlop (Z) Limited, together with other rubber manufacturing firms, consolidated Tyre Services and Piggot Maskew, were setting up a pilot rubber plantation scheme in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province.
Your previous Committee had noted that the industry’s viability will be dependent not only on Government funding but also on the involvement of the private sector.

To this effect, your Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry had been promoting the rubber plantation to the private sector through the Trade Fair and Agriculture and Commercial Shows.
However, the private sector did not seem to be getting interested in the venture.

The Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources continued to undertake activities under that programme through Government funding.

The following were the activities that were undertaken in 2005; Land and Social Economic Surveys The social economic study and land availability surveys were conducted in July 2005.

About 1,000 hectares of land was surveyed and 200 households interviewed in Nchelenge.
Nursery Tools and Equipment The nursery equipment and tools procured included wheel barrows (5), shovels (20), slashers (20), rakes (15), watering cans (10), and shednets (300 metres).

The protective clothing purchased included safety boots (15 pairs), gum boots (20 pairs), rain coats (10), overalls (10), dust coats (8) and double lab respirators (2).
The rubber tapping equipment procured included tapping knives (10), spouts (100), hangers (100), tapping cups (100), plastic dishes (5) and plastic buckets (5).

Other equipment purchased under the project included a four wheel drive vehicle and poly pipes (150 metres) to be used for irrigation.

Rubber Tapping In July 2005, a total number of 5,000 trees were tapped out of which 45kg were harvested and rubber latex processed.
Those trees were being assessed in terms of latex yield and quality of the locally produced rubber.

A total of fifty-five trees were selected based on initial tapping during the dry season.

The average latex yield in Nchelenge of the highest yielding trees was 376.84 grams/tree and in Kawambwa it was 122.63 grames/tree.

The selected trees would be used as both sources of seed and grafting/budding materials to propagate high latex seedlings for plantation establishment.
There were already variations in the average rubber latex yields between Kawambwa and Nchelenge trees due to differences in management regime mainly relating to fire protection, fertilization, use of cover crops and weed control.

Land Clearing In July/August 2005, about thirty-eight hectares of land was cleared and all planted with rubber trees in Nchelenge.

A total of 27,000 rubber seedlings were raised.

31 Construction of Workers Houses There were 9,800 blocks moulded.

This work was on going.


The bricks would be used for the construction of houses for workers and an office for the plantation supervisor.

Other Economic Crops Raised There were 33,000 seedlings of other economic crops raised under the project.

These included eucalyptus, pine, jathropha, daniella (locally known as mukulabusiku) and drageana.
Community Involvement About 350 local community had been involved in the rubber project and had actively participated in activities to include pot filling with soil, scuffling and maintenance of access road to plantation, blocks moulding, planting, latex tapping and land clearing.
About fifteen farmers/individuals accepted to plant on average about eight hectares per house hold/farm for rubber trees (4ha), eucalyptus for poles and fuel wood production (1ha), pine trees for timber (1ha), jatropha trees for oil production (1ha) and other fruit trees for food security (1ha).

Those farmers were actively participating in the rubber project out-grower scheme.

Plantation Establishment and Maintenance There were 30.5 hectares of rubber plantation established.
A total of 7.5 hectares were established under the out-grower scheme.

Other silvicultural activities carried out included weeding and slashing (2 ha covered), boundary maintenance (8km covered), and access road maintenance (8km covered).

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee wish to commend the Ministry for the progressive work which has been embarked on.

In view of the foregoing, they resolve to close the assurance.
39/03 Forest Development Fund In her contribution to the debate of 30th January, 2003, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance: “I intend to re-activate the forest development fund to which investors will contribute part of the proceeds from the sale of timber.

The fund will be used in reforestation programmes as well as promoting joint forestry management.” Your previous Committee had requested a detailed report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Forest Development Fund would be implemented once the Forest Act No.

7 of 1999 was commenced.

The old Forest Act, Cap 199 of 1973 was still being used and it had no provision for such a fund.

The Forest Act No 7 of 1999 could not be commenced in 2005 as the resources needed for the establishment of the Forest Commission were not provided.
The commencement of the Commission had posed a challenge due to the financial implications involved.

In order to understand fully those implications and prepare adequately for the commencement of the Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, with the support of the 32 European Union, implemented the Forestry Support Programme (FSP) from 2001 to 2004.
Through this programme, the Ministry was able to undertake the following: (i) (ii) (iii) an audit of the accounts and liabilities of the Forestry Department and Zambia Forestry and Forestry Industry Corporation (ZAFFICO); the development of a preliminary management (business) plan for the Commission; and the design of mechanisms to ensure the involvement of local communities in the management of forests.
The audit had revealed that as of December 2003, the Forestry Department had an estimated debt of K3.5 billion accrued mainly from outstanding payments for rentals, utilities (water, telephone and electricity) and other services.

Separation benefits for the Department were estimated to be K25 billion by mid 2004.
In addition, ZAFFICO had a total debt of US $20.6 million in form of a loan obtained in 1985 from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank and was guaranteed by the Zambian Government.

Results of the audit also showed that the Forestry Department was heavily under-capitalised and that, therefore, the Commission would require an injection of start-up capital.
The Ministry’s experience with transformation of the National Parks and Wildlife Department to the current Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) showed that the new organisation could take longer to support itself if, at its establishment, the issue of capitalization was not adequately dealt with.

In the case of Forestry Commission, therefore, the required start-up capitalization to be spread over the first three years of the Commission amounted to approximately K16.8 billion.
In addition, about K5 billion would be needed in the first year to establish the Commission’s systems and procedures.

The annual operating costs were estimated at K39 billion and these included personal emoluments for the staff recruited under new conditions of service as well as the cost field operations.
With this investments, the project revenue to the Commission was expected to grow from K12 billion in the first year to K54 billion in the fifth year as compared to an estimated amounts of K5 billion generated by the Forestry Department in 2005.

Therefore, the preliminary business plan showed that the Forestry Commission could be a viable venture and could support itself after five years from establishment as long as it was adequately capitalized.
In view of the difficulties encountered in raising the required resources for the establishment of the Forestry Commission, the only other way to establish the Forestry Development Fund was to amend the Act currently in use (i.e Forest Act of 1973, Chapter 199 of the Laws of Zambia) so as to make specific provisions for this fund.
However, it was not likely that such an initiative could be supported by both Government and Parliament given that an Act that had such provisions has already been enacted and was awaiting commencement once resources were mobilized.

Under the circumstances, the status quo would likely prevail in 2006 as the financial resources were not likely to be secured.

The required resources were being sought from both Government and cooperating partners.
The Permanent Secretary reported that in view of the detailed report and given that the Forest Development Fund could only be established once the Forests Act No.

7 of 1999 was commenced (as the commencement awaited mobilisation of adequate resources), it would be appreciated if your Committee considered closing the assurance.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submissions, your Committee observe that not much has been accomplished in the realisation 33 of the Forest Development Funds.
The progress report is being awaited on the matter.

MINISTRY OF SPORT, YOUTH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 34/92 Dag Hammerskjoeld Stadium The Honourable Minister made an assurance to the House on 28th October, 1992, that the work schedule for Dag Hammerskjoeld Stadium indicated that the construction work would take thirty-six month from the time the contractor moved on site towards the end of November or early December, 1992.
Your previous Committee had expressed concern that the shift in policy of using private funds as opposed to Government funds to build ultra modern stadia would make it difficult to follow progress on the said construction.

They requested an update report on the matter.


In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that there was a shift in policy regarding construction of the stadium from using public funds to using either Government bilaterial co-operation or through creation of private public partnership based on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) principle because the Government, at the moment, had no resources to invest in the project.
However, this did not change the principle to construct the stadium to which Government remained committed.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has its objective goal shifted from using Government funds to using private sector funds in building the stadium on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis.

In view of this position, your Committee resolve to close the assurance.
57/97 Construction of two Stadia in Lusaka and the Copperbelt On 30th September, 1997, the Honourable Minister assured that the Government was initiating a budget to put up two stadia in Lusaka and on the Copperbelt.

Your previous Committee were disappointed at the state of stadia in Zambia.

They had urged the Ministry to facilitate the development of stadia in order to enhance the development of sport in the country.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry acknowledged the poor state of sports infrastructure in the country and had started negotiations with the cooperating organisation for the support of the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure.

An advertisement for expression of interest for the design and modernization of the grand stand at the Independence Stadium was placed in the papers and the bids would be evaluated soon to select the consultants.
Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that, the Technical Committee which had been constituted to drive the process of developing stadia had identified three sites in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone.

The Technical Committee was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development and the Ministry of Works and Supply.
The Ministry of Works and Supply developed the request for proposal document (RFP) which was submitted to the Zambia National Tender Board for use to advertise for expression of interest from developers to construct three ultra modern stadia in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.

The expression of interest had since been advertised and would close on 30th April 2006 after which evaluation would be done to identify the successful bidder.
The Government was also pursuing the other option of Government to Government bilateral cooperation with the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and China who had shown willingness to support the construction of the stadia following the visit to the two countries by His Honour the Vice President in 2005.

In addition to the K5.0bn that was allocated in 2005, Government had allocated another K1.0bn in the 2006 budget for further preliminary works.
34 On whether the Ministry had plans to put up an ultra modern stadium in Zambia before 2010 World Cup Football game which will be hosted in South Africa, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry was aiming at building one ultra-modern stadium in Livingstone where there was the same weather pattern like in South Africa.

Zambia could take advantage of this situation to build one ultra modern stadium as some teams might like to train in Zambia for their games in South Africa.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there has been a shift in the policy of using public funds to using private sector funds to build the two satdia on (BOT) basis.

With the foregoing position, your Committee resolve to close the assurance.

31/97: Constituency Youth Development Fund On 4th March, 1997, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “We are aware of certain dislocations of this fund in some areas.
I can assure you that my colleague, the Minister of Local Government and Housing and myself are working closely so that we can find a lasting solution and indeed serve the youths throughout the country.” Your previous Committee, in noting the matter, had urged the Ministry to put proper guidelines in place to ensure the proper utilisation of the funds.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry had developed guidelines to ensure proper utilisation of the funds.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been fully attended to.

Therefore, they resolve to close the matter.

96/01: Review of the National Sports Policy On 22nd February, 2001, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “Mr Chairman, my Ministry will review it s current sports policy.
This will begin by reviewing the current National Sports Council Act which has outlived its usefulness.” Your previous Committee had expressed their concern that sport in the country had continued to lag behind as a result of the delay in the review of the National Sports Policy.

Your previous Committee had, therefore, urged the Ministry to put measures in place to expedite the revision of the National Sports Policy.
Further, your previous Committee had urged the Ministry to budget for sport for the disabled.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the nation wide consultation process for the review of the Sports Policy was concluded in December 2005.

The process was delayed due to lack of funds.


The zero draft of the revised National Sports Policy had been produced and would be circulated to all stakeholders for comments before finalizing and submission to Cabinet Office for consideration by Cabinet.

The revised policy would include the sporting needs of the disabled.
Further, the Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that in 2005, the Ministry created a budget line for the National Paralympic Committee as a way of supporting sport for the disabled.

An amount of K80m was allocated in 2005 while in 2006, the National Paralympic Committee had been allocated K46m.

On whether the Ministry had circulated the revised National Sports Policy, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry had not yet circulated it.
They were in the process of making some final touches to it.

Once it was ready, your Committee would be availed some copies.

35 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the work regarding the review of the National Sports Policy is incomplete.

Therefore, they resolve to await the progress report on the matter.
PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT DIVISION 06/97 Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP) His Honour the Vice President, on 11th February, 1997, made the following assurance: “The process of restructuring is not as simple as it sounds because when restructuring funding is required and this is the biggest headache we have and we are thus unable to completely implement this programme but I wish to assure the Hon Members that the matter is being actively addressed.” In noting the submission, your previous Committee expressed their concern at the slow pace at which the restructuring of the two remaining ministries were being done.
They had urged the Government to speed up the process and resolved to wait for a progress report.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the restructuring reports for both Ministries of Sport, Youth and Child Development and Community Development and Social Services had finally been approved.

The restructuring report for the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development was approved in July, 2005.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning issued Treasury Authority No.
8 of 2005 on 28th September, 2005 to facilitate implementation of the new structure.

The selection and placement of staff in the newly restructured Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development had since commenced.

The report for the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services was first approved in principle by Cabinet in 1998, subject to the development of appropriate Ministerial policies.

The report was approved on 10th October, 2005.


The Public Service Management Division on 29th November, 2005, requested for Treasury Authority from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to facilitate the implementation of the structure.

The Treasury Authority No.

12 of 2005 was granted on 28th December, 2005 and selection and placement of staff in the newly restructured Ministry of Community Development and Social Service had been completed.
The Public Service Management Division was currently conveying appointment letters to the successful candidates to fill in the positions.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee commend the Public Service Management Division for having attended to the assurance.

They resolve to close the matter.


22/04 Putting trained teachers on the pay roll On 13th July, 2004, His Honour, the Vice President assured the House as follows: “ Mr Speaker, the Government has been working very hard to ensure that we put many of the trained teachers on the payroll.

This month alone, we have put 1,200 teachers on the payroll.
We have planned that by March next year (2005), most of them are going to be employed.” Your previous Committee had observed that there were many trained teachers not yet employed and not on the pay roll.

They had, however, resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

36 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government was extremely concerned with the number of trained teachers not yet employed and not yet on the payroll.
To this effect, Government recruited 5,000 teachers in June, 2005, of which 4,000 were basic school teachers and 1,000 high school teachers.

Apart from being placed on the payroll, the 4,000 basic school teachers received their settling allowances in accordance with the Dutch grant provision.

The recruited teachers under this phase were deployed to needy schools across the country.
Furthermore, Government had provided for funds in the 2006 Budget, through the Ministry of Education, to recruit more than 7,000 trained teachers.

The expected recruitment in 2006 would not only reduce the number of unemployed trained teachers, but would also significantly increase the required number of teachers in schools, the majority of whom would be deployed in the rural areas.
In addition, the recruitment of trained teachers would improve the quality of education by improving the teacher pupil ratio from the current average of 1:50 basic level to 1:45.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee wish to commend the Public Service Management Division for the job well done and resolve to close the assurance henceforth.
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING 15/98 Establishment of the University of Science and Technology On 27th February, 1998, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “ I can assure you that I am taking up the challenge to ensure that Zambia has got a third University but this time, of Science and Technology.” Your previous Committee had noted that the implementation of the assurance had taken rather too long.
They wondered whether Government had changed the policy of establishing the University of Science and Technology.

In this vein, they urged Government to give them a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that there had been no change with regard to the establishment of the University of Science and Technology.

The University was a private sector driven initiative, being promoted by private organisations and individuals.
The Government’s role was to simply facilitate its establishment through granting the relevant registrations and permits.

Therefore, there had not been much progress made from the last report.
On why there had been no progress to date on the establishment of the University of Science and Technology, the Permanent Secretary reported that they had started working on the matter as the need for a Science University had been overwhelming considering that the existing universities, University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU), did not categorically train scientists directly in pharmacy, computer science telecommunications as well as food and nutrition.
The process had started and it should be funded adequately.

On whether Government had changed policy on building the university as it appeared that the philosophy had changed to let the private sector drive the process, the Permanent Secretary reported that the position of Government was to be a facilitator in the whole process rather than owning and driving the project.

He pointed out that the project was included in the Fifth National Development Plan and was thus headed for fulfillment soon.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that little has been done to achieve the intended result of the assurance.

They request for a progress report.


37 24/03 Chipata Trades School The Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance on 4th November, 2003: “My Ministry has plans to build classrooms, workshops and offices for Chipata Trades Institute, which has been operating from temporary premises since 1993.” Your previous Committee had observed that standards had degenerated in the trades schools and colleges in the country and a lot of infrastructure had been run down.
In view of the above observation, your previous Committee recommended that the Ministry should embark upon updating the trades school curriculum in an effort to uplift the standards.

There was also need for the Ministry to have a deliberate policy to bring in the country or tap within our country, experts to train the students, in an effective and efficient way.

Finally, Government was urged to speed up the rehabilitation of trades schools in the country.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that updating of curricula in trades training institutes had been ongoing.

To date, out of thirty-six trade craft curricula, twenty-five curricula in various programmes had been approved for use in training institutions with seven awaiting approval.
Among the approved draft programme from 2000 to-date were electrical, designing, cutting and tailoring, carpentry and joinery, machines repair courses, building construction, painting, decorating and graphics, plumbing and sheet metal and refrigeration.

For trade test programmes, none of the sixty-four programmes had been reviewed.

There were plans to review two trade test programmes in 2006.

There were also plans to develop occupational profiles for trade testing curricula.
This process would lead to curricula in trades testing being reviewed or developed.

The models of competence-based modular training (CBMT) and Systematic Curricula Instructional Design (SCID) were being used to ensure that job performance related skills were learnt by trainees.

Professional associations and industry were incorporated in curricula development and review teams in order to ensure that the curricula developed were related to industry needs.
Further, the status of qualifications of trainers in Government institutions in the Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training sector was as follows: Trade test levels Most of the trainers in the trade testing level, which was the lowest certification level, were craft certificate holders.

They were qualified to handle trade testing courses.

In addition, the students undertaking these courses were also taught by trades testers with a higher level of certification.
Craft level The majority of the trainers at this level were craft certificate holders.

The scenario for the craft level was, however, different from the other certification levels.

This level of certification did not meet the requirement set-that a level of qualification being taught must be taught by a lecturer with a higher level of qualification than the level to be handled.
This was so because the highest qualification obtainable was a Craft Certificate for most of the craft certificate programmes being offered in Zambia.

An example was designing cutting and tailoring or carpentry and joinery.

For those particular courses, the lecturer taking such courses were fellow craft holders.

This was so because there was no higher qualification than craft in the mentioned trades.

This meant that one has to pursue a course slightly different from the original course.
An example was a person holding a craft certificate in carpentry and joinery.

For such a person to obtain a diploma, he/she could 38 pursue a course in road construction which is different from carpentry and joinery.

Therefore, a person with such a qualification could not have the relevant skills and knowledge to take a craft class in carpentry and joinery.

Technician level There was progression from technician level to diploma level.
Most of the trainers teaching at technician level were diploma holders.

The lecturers were therefore, qualified to handle the courses at technician level.

Diploma level On average, most of the diploma courses were taught by lecturers with the relevant qualifications and experience.

However, there were some courses such as paramedical, were diploma holders were teaching at diploma level.
In order to ensure that the Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training system had staff that possessed the necessary technical qualifications, experience, teaching competence and adequately trained staff, a coherent staff development programme had been established.

This included long courses and short management development programmes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the management staff.
The Ministry was committed to ensuring that qualified staff provide training in Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training institutions.

The skills upgrading of staff was being conducted by the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA).
Technical skills upgrading A total of thirty-nine instructors and lecturers were sponsored to various colleges and universities to under take technical up grading programmes as summarized below: Training level Craft to Technician Technician to Diploma Diploma to Degree Number of Trainers Trained 5 21 13 The training of the above instructors and lecturers was on going.

Pedagogical skills A total of one hundred and three instructors and lecturers had attended teaching methodology courses.
In 2006, technical skills upgrading had been planned under Window 4 of the Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Fund.

The main beneficiaries in that funding window would include trainers who were in employment with registered institution with Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training.

However, priority would be given to trainers offering training skills priority areas as identified by the Government.
The Ministry recognised the challenges it faced in retaining and attracting qualified staff to its instructions.
Some measures that the Ministry proposed to ensure that training institutions have better qualified staff, included the following: a) rehabilitating some institutions and decontrolling the tuition fees to enable the institutions retain and attract qualified staff; 39 b) the industry promoting and strengthening partnerships between the industry and training providers to enable staff from in Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training institutions and also allow trainees to use workshops and equipment in industry which might not be available in some training institutions; the Ministry conducted a national Stakeholders Consultative Forum in November 2005 at which the issue of partnerships in the Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training sector was addressed; and to provide training c) soliciting for increased government funding to the Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training sector.
Additional funding would be sought from the private sector.

With regard to speeding up the rehabilitation of trades schools in the country, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government had embarked on the rehabilitation of trades schools using funds from three sources namely the World bank sponsored Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Development Programme (TDP) and DANIDA.

the HIPC, HIPC Programme.


The focus of HIPC programmes was rehabilitation of hostels and cafeteria in training institutions.

The targeted institutions were: a) b) c) d) e) Mansa Trades Training Institute; Lukashya Trades Training Institute; Nkumbi Trades Training Institute; Kabwe Trades Training Institute; Zambia Institute for Business Studies and Industrial Practice (rehabilitation of roof).
Infrastructure component of the TDP: This included supply of training equipment to institutions and rehabilitation works.

The following institutions were currently being rehabilitated: In-Service Training centre – K316.9m; 1.

Zambia Institute for Business Studies and Industrial Practice – K320.7m; 2.

3.

Kitwe Vocational Training centre – K375.9m; 4.

Mwinilunga TTI-Mwinlunga – K808m; 5.

Mansa TTI-Mansa – K1.55bn; 6.

Mansa Skills Centre – Mansa (Ministry of Education) – K489.2m; 7.
Luanshya TTI – K739.5m; 8.

Maxwell House Phase I & II – K873.9m; 9.

Nkumbi College – K1.02bn; and 10.

Lukashya TTI – K1.07bn.

DANNIDA: The Government had also rehabilitated the following institutions using DANNIDA support: 1.

Livingstone Institute of Business and Industrial Studies; 2.

NORTEC; and 3.

Technical and Vocational Teachers’ College.


On why the response given on the assurance dealing with Chipata Trades Training Institute failed to address the Institute in question, the Permanent Secretary reported it was a pity that the Honourable Deputy Minister singled out one Institute in the assurance because the problems affecting Chipata Trades Training Institute were also affecting other Trades Training Institutes countrywide.
However, he promised to address Chipata Trades Training Institute and send updated information to your Committee.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the response advanced by the Ministry on the subject matter is not focused on addressing the particular assurance.

They resolve to request for a progress 40 report.


MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 164/93 Soldiers Accommodation On the 15th July, 1993, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the programme of constructing houses for officers and servicemen was already in motion and that construction was underway in Lusaka West while architectural drawings in Mufulira had been completed although construction work had not yet commenced.
Your previous Committee expressed their disappointment at the slow progress regarding the construction of housing units for defence personnel.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that out of the thirty houses being constructed at Mushili Camp, twenty had been completed.

He also reported that of the ten remaining houses, only three officers’ houses had been completed.
The construction of soldiers’ accommodation had not progressed satisfactorily due to non availability of capital funding over the years.

However, the Ministry had planned the construction of soldiers’ accommodation in the Fifth National Development Plan.

With the approval of the plan and timely release of the approved funds, the Ministry would be able to build houses for its service personnel.
With regards to the provision of boots and uniforms to service personnel, the Permanent Secretary reported that the situation had improved.

On the soldiers morale being low due to shortage of accommodation, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry was equally worried as soldiers living in squatter compounds were a danger to themselves as well as to the people around.

The morale of soldiers was low over housing.

The Ministry was dependent on Government funding for the project.
On whether the Ministry had a progressive policy on the provision of soldiers accommodation, the Permanent secretary reported that the aim of the Ministry on the issue was to have all soldiers accommodated in soldiers cantonments which were adequately serviced by hospitals, shopping malls, markets, schools and play fields.
On the concern that the Barracks was almost collapsing in Kaoma as most buildings and houses had multiple cracks, the Permanent Secretary reported the situation was true for other barracks and camps such as Zambia National Service Camp in Kabwe.

He agreed that the situation needed urgent maintenance works.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the matter on soldiers’ accommodation is worrying and need urgent attention as the work morale is low over the issue.

They request for a progress report on the matter.


12/97 Mupepetwe Engineering Company In reply to a query raised on the floor of the House regarding operations at Mupepetwe Engineering Company, the Hon Minister informed the House that the company was operating and that soon, in collaboration with some friendly countries as partners, the institution would be transformed into something else.
Your previous Committee had urged the Ministry to put in place a proper planning mechanism to ensure that projects are undertaken on time.

41 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry had paid for the procurement of raw materials and that a pre inspection team had already been to China and it was expected that the raw materials would arrive in the country not later than August 2005.
Your Committee were also informed that there had been a lot of progress as the raw materials had been purchased and it was expected that the company would sustain itself with the injection of those raw materials.

The materials were purchased from a company named NORINCO in China.

On the concern regarding whether the reported raw materials for Mupepetwe Engineering Company had been delivered, the Permanent Secretary agreed and informed your Committee that the institution would soon be sustaining itself.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and recommend that it should be closed.
01/05 The Plight of Service Chiefs and General Staff of Defence Forces and Security Services On 19th January, 2005, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Defence made the following undertaking on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, this Government is serious in addressing the issues and plight of your Service Chiefs, Generals and the General Staff of Defence Forces and Security Services” Your previous Committee had reiterated the need to improve the conditions of service for staff in the Defence Forces and Security Service.
They resolved to await progress on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the package that was introduced in 2002 for retiring Service Chiefs was still in force.

However, in order to further cushion the retired Service personnel, the monthly pension of retirees had been adjusted upwards to address the inflation factor and the retired Service Chiefs’ would benefit too.
The 25% salary increment that was awarded to the Public Service employees in April, 2005 was also extended to members of the Defence forces.
On whether the Service Chiefs who retired before 2002 would also be catered for with regard to the package for retired Service Chiefs which was introduced in 2002, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry could not extend the package introduced in 2002 for the retired Service Chiefs who served before that year because they did not have enough money to embark on such an ambitious programme.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee resolve that the assurance has been adequately addressed and should be closed forthwith.

02/05 The Plight of Retired Service Chiefs On 19th January, 2005, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Defence made the following undertaking on the floor of the House: "Nevertheless with regard to the plight of Generals the Government since 2002, introduced a package for the retiring Service Chiefs which is currently in force.
In addition, my Ministry has set up a Committee to address the conditions regarding Generals.

When this report is ready, it will be presented to relevant authorities and to this august House to find out whether we can be funded adequately.” Your previous Committee noted the report as they awaited a progress report on the matter.

42 In updating your Committee, the Permanent secretary submitted that the plight of retired Service Chiefs especially those who retired before 2002 had not yet been addressed.
The Ministry had observed, however, that it would set a precedence to offer extra remuneration to the retired generals as at the same time the Ministry was aware of other retired senior civil servants who would not have been awarded such.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that only the Service Chiefs who retired after 2002 are catered for regarding the terminal benefit package.
Your Committee wish to recommend that Government does something about extending this package to all retired Service Chiefs before 2002, at least up to independence era.

Your Committee await a progress report on the matter.

03/05 Transport Problem On 19th January, 2005, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance: "Sir, with regard to transport, the Government through the Ministry of Defence is addressing this problem seriously.
We have so far procured a number of vehicles from Germany and we are also expecting some more.’’ Your previous Committee urged the Ministry to address the problems being faced by the Defence Forces as these have a negative impact on their welfare.

They requested for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the transport problems were being addressed.
So far, all the vehicles purchased under the Indian Credit Line Zambia from TATA arrived in the country and were being utilised.

The Ministry had also procured more vehicles from Japan for the Service which should be in the country during the first quarter of the year 2006.
On the concern regarding the reliability and durability of the Tata vehicles being brought in the country for the defence personnel, the Permanent Secretary reported that the vehicles were reliable and durable particularly if they were regularly serviced and maintained.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has not been adequately addressed and therefore, request for a progress report.
04/05 Communication Equipment On 19th January, 2005, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, as regards communication equipment, the Government is fully aware of this problem and we are doing everything possible to address the issue, funds permitting.’ Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that Government had not yet paid for the remaining equipment this year because there were no funds provided under capital expenditure.

However, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, under request from the Ministry of Defence had taken it up and hopefully, funding would be made in 2006.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has not yet been fully addressed.
They request for a progress report on the matter.

43 MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT 19/03 Restructuring of Kagem Mining Limited On 1st August, 2003, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance: “I would like to state that this country has got a lot of minerals which the Lord has given us but, we do not think that the country is benefiting.
That is why we intend to restructure Kagem Mining Limited so as to make it a pilot project for the nation.” Your previous Committee were concerned that generally, safety concerns in the mines were not adequately addressed.

They had, therefore, recommended that safety departments in the mines should be reintroduced as a matter of urgency.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the shareholders structure of Kagem Limited was restructured after going through a court process.
On 15th June, 2005, the Solicitor General wrote to the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development that Government had settled all outstanding disputes with Hagura on the transfer of 42 percent of Government shares in Kagem to Hagura.

The settlement was that rather than transfer the 42 percent, Government would only transfer 30 percent and that the rate of payment to Government which was originally US$1,800,000 would be increased by 100 percent.
Accordingly, the Solicitor General advised that pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act, Cap 213 of the laws of Zambia, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development should consent to the transfer of 30 percent shares.

The Permanent Secretary reported that with this development, Hagura became the majority shareholders with 75 percent shares while Government holding 25 percent of the shares was the minority shareholder of Kagem Mining Limited.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the response given is quite exhaustive.

They therefore, resolve to close the matter.

04/03 Gemstone Exchange Centre On 23rd January 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister informed the House as follows: “My Ministry has put a programme in place where we would like to establish a Gem Exchange Center where all gemstone dealers would be free to sell their products.
This gem stone exchange center will actually act like a free based market.” Your previous Committee had observed that Zambia had failed to have an organised gemstone market.

They had urged the Ministry to put in place mechanisms to allow and encourage small scale indigenous miners to engage in mining.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Government had decided to let the gemstone exchange be private sector driven.
Accordingly, a private entrepreneur and proprietor of Sub- Sahara Africa was identified in July, 2005 to lead the establishment of the gemstone exchange.

The entrepreneur had offered his premises and buildings which were being renovated to provide rooms for banking facilities, offices for rent and for security personnel, and an auction floor with booths for display of gemstones on sale.
The arrangements were under way to offer gemstone mining associations and other interested parties shares in the Sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange in order to make the exchange more representative of the sector.
44 On the concern regarding the shift in policy of operating the project from Government to the private sector, the Permanent Secretary agreed but hastened to state that Government would be renting the premises to the private sector to create on environment where everyone would be free to transact without necessarily going out to do business in other places.

Government believed that doing business in one spot was cost effective.
Government would build offices in the premises to claim ownership of certain infrastructure.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed.

Therefore, they resolve to close the matter.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 05/04 Rehabilitation of Nyanje and Mwanjawanthu Local Courts On 27th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “ Mr Speaker, the Judiciary has already embarked on rehabilitating local courts not only in Eastern Province but countrywide.” Your previous Committee had urged Government to expedite the rehabilitation of local courts country-wide and streamline the recruitment process in accordance with the provisions of the Adjudicature Act.
In his update to your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the issue of courts was under the jurisdiction of Chief Administrator of the Judiciary as the Controlling Officer.

However, the Permanent Secretary reported that her brief to your Committee would be based on the information as given by the Acting Chief Administrator to her.
She reported to your Committee that the Judiciary had plans to rehabilitate all the court buildings which were in a deplorable states including Nyanje and Mwanjwawanthu Local Courts in Eastern Province.

It had however, not been possible to rehabilitate the two courts above and others during the year 2005 due to financial constraints.

In the Eastern Province budget for 2005, there was no provision for that activity.
This had been included in the budget for 2006 and work would hopefully be done if it was approved.
On why rehabilitation of local courts were not done despite the budget being passed last year which included a vote on rehabilitation of courts countrywide, the Permanent Secretary reported that she was not competent to comment on that matter because the Acting Chief Administrator of the Judiciary was the Controlling Officer over the courts and could not request him to accompany her to clarify on such and other issues due to the principle of Separation of Powers.
She reiterated that she was Controlling Officer only of all the institutions as prescribed in the Act.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the information presented is scanty and lacking in detail.

They further observe that the information is in fact meant for the Permanent Secretary’s action.

Your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
06/04 Laws Relating to Children On 27th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General made the following assurance on the floor of the House: 45 “Mr Speaker, we do not want to bring piecemeal amendments to this August House.

We have a programme of comprehensively reviewing laws relating to children including domesticating the Convention on the Rights of the Child and all child-related legislation.
I can promise that in the next session of Parliament, we should be ready to table such legislation.” Your previous Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry of Justice would in the course of the year 2006 draft a bill to domesticate the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.
In processing the necessary Bill, the Ministry would work together with the Gender in Development Division (GIDD) at Cabinet Office as well as other relevant stakeholders.

She also reported that the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services was working together with the Zambia Law Development Commission to review all child related legislation following recommendations obtained from stakeholders during workshops that were conducted by that Ministry in 2005.
The review of child related legislation was being conducted with a view to incorporating, among other things, the provision of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Zambia Law Development Commission expected that the review exercise would require a period of between six to eight months from the beginning of the year 2006.

That being the case, the drafting of the Bills which would result from the review should commence in the second half of the year.
The Ministry of Justice would embark on drafting the necessary legislation once it had received instructions from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services working together with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the information presented is lacking in detail and is not meant for their attention.

In this vein, they resolve that the Permanent Secretary avails them a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND CO-OPERATIVES 66/86 Tsetse Fly Eradication On 27th March, 1986, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the tsetse infested areas in the Western Part of Chief Muyombe’s area in the Isoka East Parliamentary Constituency were included in the five provinces of Central, Eastern, Luapula, Northern and Southern which were infested with the fly.

Your previous Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that following the assurances that was given to carry out the aerial spray to eradicate tsetsefly in the Kwando/Zambezi region, there had been little progress that had been made due to financial constraints among the countries involved.
However, the long awaited regional project to eradicate tsetse fly in the Kwando/Zambezi region which is shared by Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia had just been launched on March 26, 2006 at Katima Mulilo in Namibia.

This entailed that the Regional Project through the Project Coordination office would come up with a work programme which would be implemented with a view to eradicate tsetse fly.
Further, the delay in setting up the Regional Project, necessitated the postponement of carrying out the aerial spry which was scheduled to take place in May, 2006.

This would allow for adequate time to put in place the required administrative, financial and technical preparatory activities.
Asked on the time frame when the tsetse fly would be eradicated, the Permanent Secretary reported that the issue of tsetse fly eradication had been on their agenda for a long time and the Ministry was seriously 46 pursuing the matter.

It is because of that factor that they were in a process of recruiting additional staff so that within a few weeks, the Regional office should become functional to carry out the exercise.
On the comment that the Ministry was inefficient because it had failed to buy aerial spraying machinery, the Permanent Secretary refuted the assertion that they were inefficient as a Ministry on the matter.

Rather, he apportioned blame for the failure to buying spraying machinery on the meagre financial resources obtained from the treasury.
On why the Ministry could not use orthodox means of spraying to eradicate the tsetse fly such as tsetse fly control points mounted on the roads and massive spraying techniques, the Permanent Secretary reported that they could still use those methods but what they needed most was a multi-sectroral and selective approach.

The orthodox means mentioned such as the massive spray techniques could kill other useful insects and animals.
On why the Permanent Secretary should be talking of cattle restocking in Southern Province and other areas of the country when they had not controlled the tsetse flies which bring all sorts of diseases to animals, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was the more reason why they were fighting the eradication of the tsetse fly.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance was made in 1986 and up to date it has not been executed because of lack of funds.

Arising from that observation, your Committee urge the Ministry and the Government at large to commit itself to addressing the assurance urgently as the presence of the tsetse fly has been a long standing problem.
They advise that Government should budget for the exercise of tsetse fly eradication every year without necessarily depending on donor funding.

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT 47/88 TAZAMA Rehabilitation Programme On 8th December, 1998, the Honourable Minister assured the House that a complete survey of the pipeline and essential repairs had been carried out and that major rehabilitation of the pipeline was underway.

Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report.
The Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry of Energy and Water Development made a budget provision in the 2005 budget to contribute to the financing of the rehabilitation works of the pipeline.

This provision was however, not included in the final approved budget.

This contributed to a slow pace of the rehabilitation works since TAZAMA had to rely on its own resources for the works.
So far, the following works had been completed: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ engineering study, definition of requirement and construction supervision of implemented project components; intelligent pigging of the pipeline; refurbishment of mainline pumps; refurbishment of crude oil tanks in Dar-es-Salaam (crude oil tanks T2, T5 and T6).
Only tank T6 was completed; construction of a new crude oil tank in Ndola is 80% complete; procurement of oil spill control equipment; and procurement of maintenance equipment and operation vehicles.

47 He further reported that TAZAMA pipelines had identified core priorities that could be funded in the short- term.

The core priorities would include critical repairs only, which were meant to preserve the optimum capacity of the pipeline i.e 700,000 metric tonnes per year while ensuring minimum loss.
The core priorities and the associated costs are indicated below: ♦ ♦ ♦ pipeline repairs and replacement at a cost of US$5.0 million.

equipment and spares at a cost of US$2.0 million.

completion of crude oil tanks repairs at a cost of US$3.0 million.

The total cost for the core priorities would be US$10 million.

The Ministry and TAZAMA were still in the process of securing the said funds for completion of the priority activities.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that since the Ministry and TAZAMA are still in the process of securing the funds for the project to take off, they will await a progress report on the matter.

26/95 Mini-Hydropower Stations The Honourable Minister assured the House on 7th February, 1995, that depending on the availability of funds, his Ministry intended to develop more hydro power stations.
Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

The Permanent Secretary reported that on the development of hydropower projects, ZESCO, Sino-hydro of China and Farab International of Iran, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the joint implementation of Kafue Gorge Lower and Itezhi-Teshi power stations, respectively.

The status on the development of the Chavuma Power Station by Copperbelt Energy Corporation still remained the same.
However, on the development of Kalungwishi Power Station, expressions of interests were tendered and bids received.

The evaluation of the bids was in process.

As regards the project, “Renewable Energy Electricity for Isolated Mini-grid in Zambia,” it had been approved by the Board of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The projects would be implemented through additional contribution of funds from Government and Private Sector Investors and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The total cost of the implementation of the project was pegged at US $ 7.5 million.

The status on the development of other mini hydropower schemes had not changed.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
27/97 Kapishya Geothermal Power Plant On 27th February, 1997 the Honourable Minister informed the House that his Ministry was looking into the possibility of transferring Kapishya Hot Springs to his Ministry to be under the jurisdiction of ZESCO.

Your previous Committee had resolved to wait for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported there was no progress on this matter.
On whether the Kenyan expert on geo-thermal power had come into the country and whether somebody was sent to Italy to train in geo-thermal power, the Permanent Secretary reported that Kenya depended largely on geo-thermal power.

He then informed your Committee that a team of experts from Kenya came 48 to advise Government on geo-thermal power and another team of experts were being awaited in the following month (May, 2006).
On sending somebody to Italy, the Permanent Secretary reported that Italy had been discarded as training ground for geo-thermal power experts due to limited financial resources.

Instead, the emphasis had been to engage Kenyan experts to train the Zambian personnel on geo-thermal power.

The Permanent Secretary however, stated that the project was initially an Italian initiative, which was later handed over to ZESCO.
However, the project stalled after the concerned Italian experts left the country because ZESCO had no experts in geo-thermal power.

On whether ZESCO had adequate financial resources to embark on the Geo-Thermal Power Project, the Permanent Secretary reported that ZESCO had no choice but to take up the challenge because the Government had entrusted the task to it.

The Government needed to source funds even from cooperating partners on behalf of ZESCO to ensure the project was embarked upon.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note some progressive work being advanced to the realisation of Kapishya Geothermal Power Plant.

Since the assurance has not been implemented in totality, your Committee resolve to await a progress report.
20/97 Inter-Basin Transfer of Water On 27th February, 1997, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “I am happy to inform this House that currently, a feasibility study has been completed for the transfer of a substantial amount of water out of Luapula into the Kafue across the Congo Pedicle.” Your previous Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that that the status had not changed as Zimbabwe had not submitted any Environmental Impact Study report.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the project is in fact not in the best interest of the nation.

Therefore, they resolve to close the matter.


50/97 Commercialisation of ZESCO The Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “To improve the commercial position of the company (ZESCO), the Government has set out key objectives one of which is the commercialisation of ZESCO.

This will make the company financially viable.


As part of the commercialisation, the Company will be encouraged to make all divisions operate as separate business entities such as generation, transmission and distribution.” Your previous Committee had requested for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the ZESCO Business Plan for the period 2004-2009 had been finalised and approved by its Board and the World Bank.
The regulatory expert had been engaged and had already started working with the Energy Regulation Board.

The evaluation of the efficacy of the commercialisation process was expected to be done in June, 2006.

49 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that adequate work towards the implementation of the assurance has been made.

They resolve to close the matter.


05/98 Rehabilitation of Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure On 10th February, 1998, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “In the electricity sub-sector, Mr Chairman, a project to rehabilitate the electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure is under discussion with the World Bank and other international co-operating partners.
The approval of the project by the World Bank is being awaited.” Your previous Committee were satisfied that the assurance had been addressed and resolved to close the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that satisfactory progress continued to be made in the implementation of the project.

The disbursement of funds on World Bank funded components was extended from 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2005.
The revised implementation schedule indicated that the new estimated date for completion of the project was August, 2007.

This meant that ZESCO would seek additional funds from other sources to complete components that would still be outstanding after the halting of World Bank disbursements.

On the status of the rehabilitations of Victoria Falls, Kafue Gorge and Kariba Power Station, the Permanent Secretary reported that most rehabilitation works had been completed.
He cited Victoria Falls and Kafue Gorge as those which had rehabilitation works completed except that Kafue Gorge experienced the mudslide which delayed the works.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that tremendous progress on the rehabilitations has been made particularly for Kafue Gorge, Kariba and Victoria Falls Power Stations.

Therefore, they resolve to have to close the matter.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES 26/93 Television Reception and FM Signals On 23rd November, 1993, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) would be in a position to provide 100% coverage of the entire country in radio and television reception and funds were already in place and engineers were to start work thereafter.

Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the FM transmitters at the seven centres of Mongu, Chipata, Solwezi, Kasama, Kapiri Mposhi, Kitwe and Senkobo were working well after the Chinese Government provided new power supplies and other spares and installed protective devices on the transmitters to ensure smooth operation.
The current maintenance agreement signed between the Governments of China and Zambia would remain in force until January, 2007 when ZNBC would takeover the maintenance of the FM transmitters.

In the meantime, two Chinese teams were in Zambia to ensure timely maintenance as well as train Zambian Engineers.

50 A further improvement was made in 2005 when the old problematic 10kw FM transmitters for Lusaka and Kitwe were replaced with 3kw FM transmitters.
This had greatly improved FM reception on the Copperbelt and Lusaka.

As regards the plan to extend FM reception to other districts of Zambia to increase the FM Radio coverage, the position had not changed as currently the focus was on completing the Rural TV Project.

The implementation of the FM radio project for the districts would, therefore, be undertaken later subject to availability of funds.
On the concern that after the Chinese leave the country, there would be programme disruptions on the television and FM transmitters, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was not likely to happen because they would allow the Chinese experts to stay on a little longer to allow for a smooth handover to ZNBC and ably train local engineers to handle the broadcasting equipment competently.
On why there were no television and FM signals in areas such as Sinazongwe and Gwembe since 1993 or whether it was a deliberate action to allow such areas to receive foreign television and FM signals, the Permanent Secretary reported that FM signals travelled in a straight line so much that Sinazongwe and Gwembe Valley areas which are in low areas were bypassed by ZNBC FM signal.

Instead, the signals were received by areas in Zimbabwe.
With regard to television, the Ministry had a project to reach areas such as Sinazongwe and Gwembe.

The project was in phase II and it was expected to be operational by end of July, 2006 at the worst.

On why the Ministry picked only six provinces when it came to television and FM signals reception while the assurance talked of 100% coverage, the Permanent Secretary reported that when the assurance was made 13 years ago, it was based on the study conducted at that time.
However, with the passage of time, it was discovered that more resources were needed.

The situation had been compounded due to the change in technology.

The new technology operated on the principle of use small equipment and use less power.

However, the Ministry was moving to 100% coverage with regard to radio reception.

But with television, the Ministry was behind due to the high demand applied to the use of new technology.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that work is pending in the full implementation of the assurance.

Your Committee therefore, resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

14/96 Decentralisation of Printing Presses On 3rd February, 1996, the Honourable Minister assured the House that plans were underway to decentralise the printing presses in provincial centres for publishing of fortnightly vernacular newspapers.
Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that decentralisation of printing presses had not yet been undertaken because it was a capital intensive venture for which funds had not been made available.

Meanwhile, the Department of Zambia News and Information Services had recently received a donated printing press which would go a long way in reducing the cost of printing local newspapers.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

51 06/95 Restructuring of the Zambia News Agency On 3rd February, 1995, the Honourable Minister said: “ ZANA is also being restructured to revamp its operations to make it more relevant in the liberalised media climate which may no longer monopolise as a sole domestic news agency.” Your previous Committee requested for an update report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the restructuring of the former Zambia News Agency had now taken place following its merger with the former Zambia Information Services to form the new Department called the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).

This was effected in July, 2005 although restructuring of the provinces was yet to be done.
Observations and Recommendations In noting your submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and should be closed forthwith.
08/95 Establishment of a Press Liaison Network On 3rd February, 1995, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “ It is also the intention of my Ministry to establish a Press Liaison Network which will link ministries by computer to my Ministry for dissemination of information to the general public through the media..” Your previous Committee requested for an update on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the changes instituted by the Cabinet Office had not necessarily completed the programme.

The system of press liaison network had neither been institutionalised nor made sustainable, despite the designation of Directors of Human Resources as Press Liaison officers.
However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services was now ready to create a website and would ensure that other Ministries had access to the information in the Ministry for use by the Chief Government Spokesperson and for dissemination to the general public.

The website was almost ready.

A lot of information would be solicited and placed on the site for public consumption.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note the submission and request for a progress report on the matter.
08/98 Press Attachés for Zambian Missions Abroad On 18th February, 1998, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “It is my Ministry’s intention to station properly qualified, professional, and experienced journalists as Press Attaches at Zambian’s High Commissions and Embassies strategically all over the world” 52 Your previous Committee had expressed their concern on the failure by Government to implement the assurance.

They resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the status had remained the same, with only New York and Pretoria having press attaches.

Plans to have more placed in Addis Ababa, London and Windhoek remained unexecuted due to lack of funds.

On whether the Permanent Secretary was aware that the Press Attaches for Zambia’s Missions Abroad played a tremendous role in the promotion of tourism in Zambia, the Permanent Secretary reported that he was aware of the fact.
He stated that the Ministry had not convincingly put that issue before Government to consider the matter seriously.

He, however, pointed out that he had taken note of the concern and pledged to exert pressure on Government to have Press Attaches at Missions abroad.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that nothing of substance has been achieved in addressing the assurance.

Your Committee request for a progress report on the matter.
03/03 CASAT On 23rd January, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister assured the House that: “As we start the year, we are getting into Kalabo, Senanga, Kaputa, Chilubi and Mwinilunga.

We will have CASAT going there.

We have already instructed them to do so and the payment was done last year.” Your Committee had requested Government to state whether it had changed the policy on the matter to ascertain the validity of the assurance.

They had requested an update on the matter.


In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that Government had since handed over the Rural Television project to ZNBC, and was awaiting arbitration over the termination of the CASAT contract.

The phase 1 of the Rural TV project under ZNBC had since been completed.

This involved the refinement of installations that were done by CASAT under the 2001 Rural TV Contract with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services (MIBS).
The refinement process entailed the replacement of some technical units in some cases and the addition of some components to improve performance and safety of the installations.

In other cases, the old units were serviced and properly installed for better performance.
Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that although the preparations for the Rural TV phase 1 and 2 commenced way back in 2002, the project only entered the implementation stage in the last quarter of 2004 with the release by Government of K1 billion towards the project.

An audit of the CASAT installed stations was carried out and completed by December, 2004 for which a report was issued.

A project vehicle was also procured.


Physical rehabilitation works at the 26 sites only started on 20th November, 2005 and ZNBC constituted two teams to undertake the rehabilitation works to speed up the project.
As regards television coverage, significant progress had been made and these included: (i) putting the ZNBC TV signal on the satellite platform-through an agreement signed between ZNBC and Multichoice Africa in October, 2005; ZNBC TV is now on the DSTV bouquet and can be received in Zambia on the Ku Band for DSTV subscribers; the C-Band and Ku band 53 (ii) (iii) satellite signals were also being used by ZNBC as TV signal feeds for TV transmitters in the Districts and thus allowing local people to receive ZNBC TV signals without using a Dish and Decoder; in 2005, all the CASAT installed TV transmitters were rehabilitated to improve their operations as a number of them had developed faults.
Where it was discovered that the installed power was extremely low, new transmitters were provided.

In this way, the TV reception was not only restored but improved.
To improve the quality of the TV signals further, several stations were also provided with satellite receiving equipment; and the on-going Rural TV Project would this year see the commencement and completion of phase 2 whose objective is to establish 20 new District TV Stations; the equipment for this phase had been ordered and part of the equipment had already arrived; once the remaining equipment was received, it was anticipated that the installation of the new transmitters and associated satellite receiving equipment would be completed by June, 2006; delays might, however, be experienced at four (4) sites due to lack of ZESCO power supply and alternative sources of power would need to be provided for the service to become operational.
Following the completion of this phase, twenty-six stations were now transmitting high quality ZNBC TV and had been added to the ZNBC inventory database.

On whether your Committee would be availed the CASAT report, the Permanent Secretary reported that it would be forwarded soon for them to appreciate why Government terminated the contract with CASAT.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that Government is awaiting arbitration over the termination of the CASAT contract.
They request for a progress report on the matter.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY 46/98 Normalisation of Border Trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) On 14th July, 1998, the Honourable Minister informed the House that in order to ease cross-border smuggling between Zambia and the former Zaire, the two countries had held consultations on the normalization of trade between them.
Your previous Committee had called for more concerted action on the matter, and awaited a progress report on the conclusion of the trade agreement.

In noting the submission, your previous Committee wished to express their concern on the non-response to the matter from the Congolese authorities and recommended that the issue be pursued further to ensure that Zambia had preferred market access to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the normalisation of border trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo would continue to be pursued until the Trade Agreement and the Investment and Protection Agreement were signed between that country and Zambia.
A Zambia Investment and Trade Mission travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led by His Excellency Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC, President of the Republic of Zambia towards the end of 2005 to negotiate and finalise a Trade Agreement between that country and Zambia.

However, no Trade Agreement was signed at the end of the official talks.
He further reported that Zambia did however, recognise the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo was the second largest trading partner in Africa and provided an immense trade challenge to Zambia.

54 Similarly, Zambia prepared and submitted to the Congolese Government a draft Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) for their formal response.
It should be noted that the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a huge and strategic market for beneficial exploitation should continue to be pursued to its logical conclusion.
On what difficulties Zambia was experiencing in bilateral trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when other countries like South Africa and Namibia had successfully signed the trade agreements with DRC, the Permanent Secretary reported that the official discussion had been going on for some time over the issue but they did not know the reason why the trade agreement had not been signed up to now.
Otherwise, the Government had done their best through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have the trade agreement signed between Zambia and DRC.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance needs monitoring and follow up action.

Your Committee resolve to await the progress report on the matter.
27/02 Amendment of the Investment Act On 4th December, 2002, the Honourable Minister’s contribution on what his Ministry was doing and intended to do to empower the indigenous people was that: “We are further enhancing the regulatory environment through the amendment of the Investment Act to reserve certain areas of business exclusively for Zambians.
I intend to bring this amendment at the beginning of the next session.” Your previous Committee observed that the amendment of the Investment Act was taking long to be implemented.

They recommended for the speedy implementation of the amendment of the Investment Act and resolved to await an update on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Investment Act was no longer before the House as all issues relating to the Act would be dealt with under the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry presented the Zambia Development Agency Bill, NAB, No.

5 of 2006 to Parliament on 14th February 2006.

In his presentation, the Minister proposed the establishment of the Zambia Development Agency.
The ZDA, which would be a new Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, would merge the Export Board of Zambia (EBZ), the Zambia Investment Centre (ZIC), the Zambia Export Processing Zones Authority (ZEPZA), the Small Enterprise Development Board (SEDB) and the post privatisation activities of the Zambia Privatisation Agency (ZPA) in an effort to harmonise and rationlise operations of agencies mandated to promote investment and trade.
This harmonization and rationalization of operations of promotional agencies was aimed at making Zambia an attractive and preferred investment destination in the region.
The Permanent Secretary stated the objectives of ZDA Bill as follows: a) b) c) d) e) to foster economic growth and development by promoting trade and investment in Zambia through an efficient, effective and coordinated private sector led economic development strategy; to establish the Zambia Development Agency as a one stop facility which would ensure, among other matters, client focus, dialogue with the private sector and create confidence in public sector support for business; to provide for the functions and powers of the agency; to attract and facilitate inward and after care investment to provide and facilitate support to micro and small business enterprises; 55 f) g) h) i) j) k) l) m) to promote exports and internationalism; to streamline bureaucratic procedures and requirement faced by investors; to facilitate industrial infrastructure development and local services; to promote greenfield investment through joint ventures and partnership between local and foreign investors; to promote and encourage education and skills training so as to increase productivity in business enterprises; to encourage measures to increase Zambia’s capacity to trade and enable business to participate in a competitive global environment; to ensure that the private sector takes advantage of and benefits from international and regional trade agreements; and to provide for matters connected with and incidental to the foregoing.
In that connection, he reported that once the ZDA Bill had been assented to by the President, it would become an Act charged with the mandate of promoting investment and trade and operate as one stop shop.
On whether the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act would address the concerns which were not addressed by the Investment Act, the Permanent Secretary reported that, taken together with the Citizens’ Empowerment Bill, ZDA would take care of those concerns of empowering local businessmen who are local Zambians.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and the matter should be closed.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 01/96 Provision of Sixteen Secondary Schools On 3rd February, 1996, the Honourable Minister informed the House that the Government was committed to building sixteen secondary schools in various provinces.

Your previous Committee had requested the Permanent Secretary to furnish them with a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the provision of High Schools to increase access and participation was still one of the biggest challenges that the Ministry was facing.

The plan to build the sixteen Secondary Schools (High Schools) was taken as a way to meet the challenge.

Therefore, Government did approach various funding agencies for assistance.
Unfortunately, not all the projected resources were received by the Ministry, resulting in some of the planned schools not being constructed due to non availability of funds to undertake such a huge capital investment.

Government was nevertheless committed to ensuring that high school education was provided.
The progress made on the high schools mentioned in the report is set out below: (i) (ii) (iii) the completion of construction of Lumezi and Kafumbwe in Eastern Province was expected to be finished during the course of 2006.

Currently, the projects were at about 80% completion point.

the completion of construction of Ndola Girls Technical School was at 40%.
Therefore, the project was expected to be completed by December 2006. the construction of Kapiri Girls Technical High School would start next year due to the demand of the funding agency that the tender should be re-advertised.

56 (iv) (v) (vi) the completion of construction of Sioma High School in Western Province would start in 2006 using sector funds.
the beginning of the construction of Mufumbwe High School in North-Western Province would start in 2006 as funds had been allocated in the 2006 Sector budget.

other plans were to complete Chilubi and Kaputa High Schools in Northern Province when funds were made available.

Other Constructions a) b) Mpunde Basic School in Chibombo District, Central Province constructed a laboratory block from the Norwegian Embassy funds.
in Chavuma, in North-Western Province, Chavuma Basic School was upgraded into a high school, using HIPC funds, a 1x3 classroom block and a science laboratory were constructed using sector pool funds.

Therefore, the system of upgrading basic schools was an alternative to increasing school places at high school level since the Ministry was not able to construct new schools as earlier planned due to economic difficulties the country had experienced in the recent past.
On the concern that the assurance dealing with the Provision of sixteen Secondary Schools, only eight schools were concentrated on in the Permanent Secretary’s response, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry could not handle all the schools at the same time due to financial constraints.

However, she reported that, with increased funding, they would take on board more schools.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance needs follow-up action and resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

25/02 Upgrading the National College for Management Studies On 26th March, 2002, the Honourable Minister made the assurance that the Government had advanced plans to turn the former President’s Citizenship College for Management Studies (PCC) into the third University.
Your previous Committee had requested the Permanent Secretary to furnish them with a progress report on the necessary amendments to repeal the National College for Management and Development Studies Act of 1972.

Further, your Committee urged the Permanent Secretary to submit a detailed report on the estimated costs required for the transformation to be effected.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the process of transforming the National College for Management and Development Studies had reached an advanced stage after the National College for Management and Development Studies (repeal) Bill of 2005, dated 15th July, 2005. a) Infrastructure The campus had adequate infrastructure to accommodate a university but required immediate rehabilitation, completion and constructing of additional structures.
A number of unused buildings could be easily converted into hostels and classrooms.

57 b) Library facilities The library had old stock of books and periodicals and more reading materials need to be mobilized to suit the programmes that would be introduced.

c) Members of Staff Some lecturers would be retained while others might have to be retrained in order to handle the programmes to be introduced.
d) Students The Minister was of the view that measures must be put in place to ensure that the first students in-take took place before the end of 2006. e) Appointment of a Committee The Minister directed that a Committee be constituted to initiate the process of transforming the college into a university.

To this end, the Ministry made consultations and came up with proposed names to be appointed to the foresaid committee.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, the Principal of the College, Director Planning and Information, (MOE) – Director Standards and Curriculum, (MOE), Civil Engineer (MOE)- (`Infrastructure Section) Assistant Director Technical Services Department (PSMD), Director Organisation, Design and System (MDD) and a consultant were to constitute the committee.

The proposed names had been submitted to the Secretary to Cabinet for approval.
f) Terms of Reference for the Committee The following were the terms of reference for the above mentioned committee: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) advise the Minister of Education on all aspects of establishing a third public university; operationalise the establishment of a university at the former National College for Management and Development Studies in Kabwe; superintend over and monitor infrastructure; develop the administrative and academic requirements of the college; recommend the implementation phase for the new University; and facilitate the recruitment of the Principal Officer of the University and determine the date of opening for the new University; the rehabilitation and upgrading of physical g) The Fifth National Development Plan The 5th National Development Plan had taken the recognition of the need to establish the third public university, whose mandate was to increase access to university education.
In addition, in 2006, the Ministry of Education budget had a grant of K3,073,772,487 and K1,061,240,077 equity funds making a total of K4,135,012,564 to the third university.

The funds would cater for overall administration and rehabilitation of some of the infrastructure.
h) Estimated costs to transform the College to a University The cost estimates for the college to be converted into a university were as follows: personal emoluments to college staff were K5,422,320,507; retirement benefits to former employees of the college were a) b) K2, 973,594,899.78.; c) creditors and accrued expense were at K295,139,527.43; 58 d) e) severance package was at K19,639,900,180; and capital expenditure estimates were estimated at K6,301,714,871.
The Permanent Secretary reported that this translated to K34,632,669,985.21 as the overall total estimated cost needed to covert the college into a university.

However, it was stated that some of the targeted activities could be carried out in stages as the university expanded.
Observations and Recommendations Your Committee note that, in as much as they appreciate the efforts being made, the former President’s Citizenship College for Management Studies (PCC) has, up to date, not been turned into the third public university.

They therefore, wish to be availed with a progress report on the matter.
13/03 Girls Secondary Schools On 15th August, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Education informed the House that under the Ministry’s five year strategic plan for the period 2003-2007, there were plans to build two girls high schools, one in Ndola and the other in Kapiri-Mposhi with funds from the Arab Bank and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), respectively.
The House was also informed that consultancy tenders for both schools had been advertised and work would start before the end of the year 2003.

Your previous Committee had requested the Permanent Secretary to avail them with a progress report on the construction projects for Ndola Girls Technical High School and Kapiri Mposhi Girls Technical High School.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that Government continued planning to provide high schools in all the districts in Zambia including the new districts.

Two major measures had been adopted to achieve the plan.

In this regard, some basic schools had been upgraded to high school status in many districts including in some of the new districts of the country.
In the 2006 budget, the Ministry had planned to undertake the following: a) b) c) d) e) construction of Mufumbwe High School in North Western province would start during the course of the year; completion of Sioma High school in Shangombo District in Western Province would be undertaken this year, 2006; construction of Itezhi-tezhi High School in Southern Province was a programme to be done this year, 2006; kafushi High School in Chibombo District in Central Province was on plan to start this year too; and in Chiengi District, the basic school being constructed through the assistance of the African Development Bank was earmarked to be upgraded to High School status upon completion.
Other High Schools planned in the remaining new districts would be constructed as funds become available in the period beginning from 5th National Development Plan and other subsequent development plans.

On why there was slow progress on the construction of Kapiri-Mposhi Technical High School which was subsequently abandoned, the Permanent Secretary reported that the project was abandoned because the donor, who were the Chinese, pulled out.

In the meantime, they were scouting for local funding.
She reiterated that the Ministry would advertise the project through the Zambia National Tender Board.

Once construction resumed, it would be completed at a quicker pace than before.

On your Committee’s concern on the concentration on building girls high schools only in urban areas, the Permanent Secretary reported that the ministry’s next step was to build girls high schools in rural areas.
59 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee commend the Ministry of Education for effectively and adequately addressing the assurance and resolve to close the matter 21/03 Kabulu and Mung’omba Primary Schools On 5th August, 2003, the Honourable Minister was asked when primary schools would be built at Kabulu Mandwe, Mung’omba and Buchinda islands.
In reply, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Education informed the House that: “Samfya District Education has plans for the construction of the next schools at Kabulu and Mung’omba Communities within the next five years.

It is however, not viable to construct a school at each of the four islands at the moment due to the small populations at individual islands.” Your previous Committee urged the Permanent Secretary to furnish them with a progress report on the two schools.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the two schools mentioned above, had been granted a community school status and Kabulu Community School had even been included on the school grant list of the district.

The Ministry was committed to improving the status of the schools once funds were made available to enable the Ministry construct permanent structures at the two school sites.
On the concern that mushrooming of community schools might compromise the quality of education in the country, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was equally the concern of the Ministry.

It was for that reason that the policy of the Ministry was to work hand in hand with the community schools.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee commend the Ministry for adequately addressing the assurance and close the matter.
08/04 Rehabilitation of Ablution Blocks at David Livingstone High School On 13th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, in the Ministry’s Sector Plan 2003 – 2007, there are plans to rehabilitate ablution blocks and toilets that require immediate attention when funds are made available.” Your previous Committee requested the Permanent Secretary to avail them a progress report on the rehabilitation of ablution blocks at David Livingstone High School.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported the following progress: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) the contractor had been identified; the bills of quantities had been done; works on the girls ablution block was awaiting the approval of the tender documents for the project by the Provincial Tender Committee; in addition to the replacement of four toilets pans in one of the girls ablution blocks, replacement of old leaking water pipes were done at the school to reduce on the huge water bills the school was incurring; and a total of K40 million kwacha was set aside by the schools from the infrastructure programme to address the problem of girls ablution blocks at the school.
; the plan of the high school board was 60 to extend the rehabilitation of the boy’s ablution blocks as well when funds were made available; however, the school would need further resources to work on the rehabilitation of the boy’s ablution blocks in this year’s budget for the school.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that there is need for follow-up action on the assurance and resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
09/04 Building of High Schools in New Districts On 13th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister assured the House as follows: “ The policy of the Government is to build high schools in districts that do not have high schools and to upgrade some basic schools with adequate facilities to high schools in order to increase places in Grades 10-12.
However, this will depend on the availability of funds.” Your previous Committee requested the Permanent Secretary to avail them a progress report on the construction of high schools.

Further, they requested the Permanent Secretary to follow-up some of the schools in the district which had been left out.

In addition, they urged that provision of electricity power should be enhanced for use in the laboratories.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that Government continued planning to provide high schools in the new districts in Zambia.

Two major measures had been adopted to achieve the plan.

In this regard, some basic schools had been upgraded to high school status in many districts including in some of the new districts of the country.
In 2006 budget, the Ministry had planned to undertake the following: a) b) c) d) e) construction of Mufumbwe High School in North Western province would start during the course of 2006; completion of Sioma High school in Shangombo District in Western Province would be undertaken this year, 2006; construction of Itezhi-tezhi High School in Southern Province was a programme to be done this year, 2006; Kafushi High School in Chibombo District in Central Province was on plan to start this year, 2006; and in Chiengi District, the basic school being constructed through the assistance of the African Development Bank was earmarked to be upgraded to High School upon completion.
Other high schools planned in the remaining new districts would be constructed as funds become available in the period beginning from 5th National Development Plan and other subsequent development plans.
On your Committee’s concern as to whether the Ministry was also ensuring that quality of teachers was being considered as they were upgrading basic schools to high schools, the Permanent Secretary reported that, as a Ministry, they were committed to the provision of quality education because some teachers had been sponsored to undertake university education.

Further, they had issued an advertisement for the recruitment of qualified teachers for both basic and high schools.
On whether a deliberate policy to build houses for the teachers being recruited was also being put in place to avoid having a demoralised cadre of teachers who come from shanty compounds, the Permanent Secretary reported that they were ensuring that houses for teachers were also being built as they were building new schools.

She cited Lumezi and Kafumbwe High Schools as each having 17 housing units for teachers.
61 On the number of teachers being recruited belonging to high schools and basic schools, the Permanent Secretary reported that of the 5,000 teachers earmarked for recruitment, 1,500 would be for high schools while 3,500 would be for basic schools.

On why Chisale School near St Francis Hospital in Katete, a school for the poorest of the poor, was not among the schools being considered for upgrading, the Permanent Secretary reported that the demand for upgrading originated from the community.
She further reported that an upgraded school to the level of a high school should have specialised rooms such as a laboratory and ablution blocks.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that there is need for follow-up action on the matter and resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
10/04 Affirmative Action in Sponsorship accorded to Students from Rural origin at the University of Zambia On 13th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister assured the House as follows: “ The University of Zambia this year has introduced a new dimension to its admission policy under which preferential consideration has been given to a supplementary quota of students applying for admission from Government Secondary Schools which serve predominantly rural catchment areas.
Under this new programme, affirmative action is being taken to accord special preference to students with rural origin.

This policy is expected to extend to all educational institutions.” Your previous Committee had requested the Permanent Secretary to avail them a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the University of Zambia had continued to implement the preferential consideration for a supplementary quota for students applying for admission at the university from predominantly rural areas.

These are students who can not be admitted under the cut- off point system as they score below the cut-off points in their respective first choice programmes.
Therefore, this is a positive discrimination measure aimed at availing access to the University education by rural students.

The policy started in the 2004 and 2005 academic year.

For the 2006 academic year, 344 out of 1,681 candidates from rural areas have been admitted to the University of Zambia.

This translates to 20.5% of the total number of students admitted in the first year at the University of Zambia through the preferential quota.
The students have been admitted in the following schools as follows: (i) (ii) School of Natural Sciences: School of Education: (iii) School of Humanities and Social Sciences 67 candidates, all of whom are males; 166 candidates, of whom 39 are females and 127 are males; and 111 candidates of whom 34 are females and 77 males.
The Permanent Secretary submitted that to ensure that the issue of poverty and vulnerability of those students are taken care of, the students have been admitted under the Bursaries Scheme administered by the Bursaries Committee in the Ministry of Education.

On the concern regarding gender balancing on affirmative action in sponsorship accorded to university students from rural schools, the Permanent Secretary reported that all the figures they showed were from rural schools.
She further reported that all who had applied for this programme from rural schools were supported.

In fact, some of those were being supported by FAWEZA and other NGOs and the Ministry 62 was supporting such sponsorship programmes.

The Ministry advertised such scholarships and anyone eligible was free to apply.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee commend the Ministry of Education for the job well done in addressing the assurance adequately.

They resolve to close the matter.


MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY 11/04 Labour Conditions for Farm Workers The Minister of Labour and Social Security made an assurance on the floor of the House on 22nd July, 2004, on the plans to conduct comprehensive country wide inspections in order to ascertain the conditions under which farm workers operated.
The Minister further assured the House that stringent measures to punish employers who deliberately flouted existing laws would accordingly be instituted expeditiously.

Your previous Committee had recommended that the Ministry had to come up with a very specific clause to deal with racial discrimination.

Currently, it was not even mentioned under the labour inspection guidance form.
Your Committee further recommended that to ensure that funds were correctly used, the budgeting had to be done very firmly by the responsible Ministry.

Funding to the Ministry of Labour had to be increased, as poor funding had been a major drawback in the Ministry’s operations.

A progress report was awaited on the matter.


In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the first recommendation on racial discrimination as contained in your previous Committee’s report was partially addressed in the (Industrial and Labour Relations Act), Cap 269 of the Laws of Zambia Section (108) that provided for restriction on discrimination in employment in general terms.
Subsection (I) states that “no employer shall terminated the service of an employee or impose any other penalty or disadvantage on any employee, on grounds of race, sex, material status, religion, political opinion or affiliation, tribal extraction, or social status of the employee”.

However, the Permanent Secretary asserted that the clause did not specifically address racial discrimination per se.
The Ministry was considering strengthening this provision during the ongoing review of the Labour Laws by specifying and prohibiting issues that were related to racial discrimination.
He further stated that in its revised clause, the Ministry intended to define the terms “discrimination” and emphasised that any employer who perpetrated racial harassment and any action inciting disharmony, as well as discrimination on the basis of race, colour and ethnic or national origins which included nationality or citizenship would be guilty of an offence.
The proposal would be tabled before the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council and once consensus was reached, the draft legislation would be sent to the Ministry of Justice for consideration after which it would be sent to Parliament for enactment.

With regard to funding, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry remained one of the least funded ministries.
Efforts had been made both by the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary including Members of Parliament to request for an increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry, but this was yet to materialise.

Workers’ Organisations and Employers’ Organisations had also made representations on the same to relevant authorities but the status had remained the same.
On the concern that the Permanent Secretary did not address your Committee’s concern on the deplorable conditions under which farm labourers were made to work in, the Permanent Secretary, reported that he responded in that manner because your previous Committee, in their recommendation requested the Ministry to include a clause on racial discrimination in their labour policy due to rampant bad racial remarks the workers were exposed to.
Therefore, in addressing your Committee’s concern on the conditions of farm labourers, the Permanent Secretary reported that previously, farm workers were regarded as domestic workers.

However, the scenario had changed recently where they were incorporated 63 into a union which catered previously for only commercial farm workers.

With this development, the Permanent Secretary reported that he expected some improvements in the conditions of farm workers.
On whether the Ministry had continued to undertake labour inspections as reported in the submission, the Permanent Secretary agreed and reiterated that these would be intensified after the release of funds, as he was intending to send labour inspectors to Mkushi Farming Block where a lot of foreign investors had settled and some abusive racial remarks were reportedly being made while exposing workers to poor working conditions.
He, then, pointed out that a situation of that nature required proper worker and employer education to improve work relations between them.

On the concern regarding the outcry of farm workers particularly cooks that the white farmers who came to Zambia from Zimbabwe brought along their own cooks when Zambia had qualified cooks who could also do the job, probably even better than Zimbabweans cooks, the Permanent Secretary reported that he had not received such sort of report as yet.
He emphasised that he would appreciate to have those reports.

However, he reported that, as a Ministry, they were not responsible for the issuance of work permits to foreign workers.

Their role ended at recommendation once they were consulted.

Therefore, if a skill existed in Zambia, the Ministry did not recommend the issuance of a work permit.

He nevertheless, informed your Committee that under the Investment Act, to be repealed, a foreign investor was allowed to at least employ five foreign workers.
That investor should have an investment account of $50,000.00.

He then reported that he would submit to your Committee soon a detailed report on the conditions of farm labourers.

On whether the Ministry’s concern on child labour was being addressed during labour inspections, the Permanent Secretary agreed and informed your Committee that the Ministry had already developed a Child Policy document which was refined at a stakeholders meeting on 29 March, 2006 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Further, he reported that the Ministry was seriously undertaking labour inspections.

It was for that reason that they bought motorcycles, bicycles and employed forty labour inspectors.

Finally, he reported that they had amended the Act dealing with the employment of young persons.
On the concern regarding inadequate transport for labour inspectors, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry could have been carrying labour inspections on daily basis, but this was dependent on complaints received and on availability of transport.

The situation of transport had been improved with the acquisition of Toyota RAV4s which were good for tough and rough terrain.

However, the Ministry was soliciting for more vehicles.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee are satisfied with the additional information, which has addressed the Committee’s concerns on the assurance and resolve to close the matter.
MINISTRY OF LANDS 11/98 Demarcation of the Zambia/Malawi International Boundary On 3rd March, 1998, the Honourable Minister assured the House as follows: “I am happy that funds have been allocated in this year’s budget to demarcate the Zambia/Malawi boundary.” Your previous Committee had expressed concern at the slow pace at which the project was being undertaken.
They urged Government to take the matter seriously by allocating and sourcing more funding in order to avert a possible conflict with the neighbouring country.

They resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

64 In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Governments of Zambia and Malawi have already commenced the demarcation of the 804.5 kilometers of the Zambia/Malawi border.
The work on the demarcation of the Zambia/Malawi boundary commenced in May, 1988 when a team of officials from Zambia and Malawi met in Malawi from 17th to 18th May, 1988 to map out a strategy for the joint Zambia/Malawi survey of the international boundary, which started with aerial photography of the first phase on the 200km stretch from Malawi to Tamanda.

The joint survey meeting of May, 1999 resolved to commence with beacon monumentation work on the initial 200km stretch around the Mwami/Mchinji area.
This work commenced on 18th August, 1999.

Prior to this, a six days social sensitisation exercise was conducted jointly by the Zambia/Malawi survey teams along the common border in the Mwami/Muchinji area.

The sensitisation exercise was conducted jointly by the Zambia/Malawi survey teams along the common border in the Mwami/Mchinji area.
The sensitisation prepared the local people along the border to be aware of the impending survey work so as to lessen misunderstandings and unnecessary problems for the field survey parties.

People were also sensitised on the need to protect and safeguard the beacons.

The work to physically mark the 200 kilometres with boundary beacons started in 1999 and ended in 2001.

The first phase boundary stretch showing the watershed had also been mapped with maps at scales of 1:50,000 and 1:20,000.
The Zambian/Malawi Ministerial meeting that was held from 6th to 18th December, 2003 in Chipata, Zambia, had approved the survey work, with the accompanying maps of the first phase of 200 kilometres.

The meeting also charted a way forward for surveying of the remaining 604.5 kilometres stretch to regulate and facilitate cross border activities.

The aerial photography of the remaining boundary stretch of 604.5 kilometres had since been completed.
The placement of boundary beacons will be undertaken in three (3) phases.

From the year 2006 to 2008, work is expected to progress, and the two Governments are expected to provide the funds for the project.

Sensitisation of people living along the common border has been done, and this is also expected to be a continuous exercise.

Further, the Governments through their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs are sourcing for donor funding and the Government have since prepared a joint project proposal.
The Ministry of Lands has through the 2006 budget made provision for the completion of this work and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has been requested to release funds for the programme.
On the concerns that the Malawians were already encroaching and building permanent structures on the Zambian side along the Zambia/Malawi boundary particularly at Mwami/Muchinji border area, the Permanent Secretary agreed that there were permanent structures and tobacco fields constructed and cultivated respectively by Malawians on the Zambian side.

She further reported that, in fact, the Minister of Lands, on getting a report on that matter, travelled to the border area and ascertained that fact.
It was for that reason that the Zambia/Malawi Ministerial meeting was held in Chipata from 16th to 18th December, 2003.

The meeting observed that there were schools, clinics, government buildings and some other properties which were situated on either side of the border.

Therefore, the decision was yet to be made on the encroachment and the permanent structures constructed as to whether they would belong to Malawi or Zambia.
On the reported continual conflicts on the border area, the Permanent Secretary reported that issues of border conflicts were resolved through the Joint Permanent Commission.

If the conflicts became too serious to be handled by the Joint Permanent Commission, the country could seek the assistance of international arbitration/intervention.
On why the Zambian Government could not stop the Malawian Government from erecting their own buildings on both the “no man’s land” and the Zambian land, the Permanent Secretary agreed that Zambia had lost a large part of its land as established by aerial survey clearly determined by the watershed.

The watershed was agreed by both countries to be determining factor of the boundary between Zambia and Malawi.
65 On the practical measures the Government had put in place to deter further encroachments on the Zambian side by the Malawians, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry had carried sensitisation campaigns on the border areas against encroachments on both sides.

She pointed out that there was also need to channel the campaign through the District Commissioners and other relevant Government organs dealing with border affairs such as Immigration Department and Zambia Police Service.
She further reiterated that the problem of encroachment by Malawians should be addressed seriously at policy or ministerial level.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there is a serious problem of encroachment by the Malawians on the Zambian/Malawian international boundary especially in Chama and Mwami/Muchinji boarder areas.
In view of the foregoing, they recommend that Government should speed up the demarcation process and urgently engage the Malawian Government in the process so that they become committed partners in the exercise.

The Malawian Government should be engaged to ensure that the continued destruction of beacons is averted.
SUBMISSION BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF LANDS 11/98 Demarcation of the Zambia/Malawi International Boundary In following up the submission by the Permanent Secretary on the above stated assurance, 11/98 Demarcation of Zambia/Malawi International Boundary, your Committee requested the Honourable Minister of Lands to clarify the policy issue on the outstanding assurance.
The Honourable Minister reported that the Zambia/Malawi International Boundary was the third longest frontier that Zambia had with its eight neighbours, spanning a distance of 804.5 km from Mwami to Nakonde.

She pointed out that the Zambia/Malawi boundary was inherited from the Berlin Act of 1885, which referred to the watershed of the basin Lake Malawi and the catchments of waters flowing into the Luangwa River.
The British Government that administered the two countries before they became independent, did not conduct a physical demarcation of the boundary between the two countries.

The first joint Zambia/Malawi ministerial meeting was held in Zambia from 7th to 8th May, 1982.

It made recommendation for a comprehensive survey of the Mwami/Mchinji area as the first phase of the boundary survey to physically identify the watershed.
She further reported that the Zambia/Malawi officials met again in Lilongwe from 17th to 18th May 1988 and came up with a strategy for a joint Zambia/Malawi International Boundary Survey-General’s meeting.

At the above meeting, the regional centre for services in surveying, remote sensing and mapping based in Nairobi, Kenya was present to mediate in case of a deadlock.

The meeting was conducted in a smooth manner as expected by the two Republics.
Regarding aerial photography, she reported that for the phase one, covering Mwami/Muchinji area, it was contracted in 1988, to Swedesurvey AB, followed by the production of topographic mapping and map printing at 1:20,000 scale by the two countries.

A French company was contracted to make a physical scaled model of the area, in addition to the maps produced by the two Governments.
The Honourable Minister further reported that the joint survey meeting on May 19th resolved to commence with the beacon monumentation work on the initial 200km stretch around Mwami/Mchinji area.

The work commenced on 18th August, 1999.

Prior to this, the Zambia and Malawi survey teams conducted a six days social sensitisation exercise jointly along the common boundary in the Mwami/Muchinji area.
The sensitisation prepared the local people along the boarder to be aware of the impending survey work so as to lessen misunderstandings and unnecessary problems for the field survey parties.

66 People were also sensitised on the need to protect and safeguard the international beacons.

All the work in the exercise entailed a joint participation of the two national survey authorities and other Government officials.
The two Governments held ministerial officials and technical meetings on matters relating to the boundary resulting in the physical marking of part of the boundary starting from Choumba to Tamanda.

The stretch of the international boundary – physically marked with beacons was about 200km in length and was marked from 1999 to 2001.

This stretch had also been mapped and one was able to visualise the boundary line between the two countries.
The Zambia/Malawi ministerial meeting that was held from 16th to 18th December, 2003 in Chipata, Zambia approved the survey work and accompanying maps.

The meeting also charted a way forward for surveying of the remaining 604 kilometer stretch to regulate and facilitate cross boarder activities.
The meeting also agreed that: ♦ ♦ ♦ the physical demarcation of the boundary conducted on the basis of the watershed principle by the joint survey team be accepted; no further developments should take place across the boundary on the 200 kilometer stretch that was already physically demarcated and that there should be no new developments along the watershed area of the remaining 604 kilometers; and the demarcation exercise should continue along the remaining stretch.
The Honourable Minister further reported that during the meeting of the Ministers, it was resolved that the two countries should develop a project proposal and budget for the completion of remaining unsurveyed stretch.

The project proposal was developed and jointly discussed by the two countries.
In line with the Minister’s directive, the Zambia/Malawi boundary meeting, held in Lusaka, Zambia from 16th to 19th May, 2005 further directed the joint survey team to revise the joint project proposal document at the joint survey meeting held in Chipata- Zambia, and Chipata – Malawi from 6th to 20th June, 2005.

It was resolved that the proposal document include the construction of three boundary posts.

The total budget was adjusted from US $5,437,863.90 to US$8,352,470.70.
Progress made to date The Honourable Minister provided the following report on the progress made: • Sensitization of Zambia and Malawi nationals living along the remaining stretch of the • • • • • • • common border including chiefs had been done.

the watershed defined the boundary between Zambia and Malawi.

the Governments of Zambia and Malawi had mandated a joint survey team to physically mark the boundary with beacons.
the survey exercise would start with ground air photo control markings of crosses white washed with lime.

the white washed crosses would be positioned on either side of the boundary and could be placed in such areas as agricultural field, residential areas, in the bush or grave yards and should not be disturbed.

an aerial survey aircraft would carryout aerial photography along the boundary between July and August 2005, people should not be afraid of the aircraft operation.
the joint survey team would carry out staking out placing of beacons, local communities were advised to cooperate.

people should continue to live where they were and should strictly respect the boundary demarcation area.

67 The aerial photography of the remaining 604 kilometre stretch had been done.
The two Governments of Zambia and Malawi awarded tender to over fly the stretch to Air Borne Laser Solutions of ESKOM Group, South Africa at a total cost of US$420,000 to be shared between the two Governments.

The Honourable Minister also pointed out that after the award of contract, the following had been achieved; • • • digital aerial photographs, topographic orthophotomaps and the digital terrain model had been produced by Airborne Laser Solutions (ALS).
airborne Laser Solutions had also determined together with the two Government the watershed line that defined the international boundary between the two countries.

the contract between the two Governments (as the client) and Airborne Laser Solution (ALS) (as the Contractor) was expected to be concluded officially before mid-year.
Challenges Regarding the challenges, the Honourable Minister reported as follows; • • • • • the delay in completing the survey of the international boundary had been largely due to inadequate funds.

In view of this, it was quite obvious that the two Governments would not meet the total cost of US$8,352,470.70 to complete the task in 3 years.
It would, therefore, be appreciated if the stakeholders in matters of foreign affairs intervened in soliciting for funds from the donor community particularly Britain the former colonial administrator that left the international boundary undemarcated physically on the ground; there was encroachment from the other side by Malawian nationals; there were incidents of alleged removal and / or disturbance of international beacons; there was abrogation of what was agreed during Ministerial Committee of December 2003.
Malawians had built on the would be “no mans” land; and the international boundary demarcation was a joint project that could be done by one country, it, therefore, required concerted effort.

Conclusion In conclusion, the Honourable Minister reported that what the Ministry of Lands had achieved to-date since December 2003 was as reflected below.
• • the Ministry had increased budgetary allocation for Zambia-Malawi International Boundary survey in the fiscal year 20006, following approval by Parliament of the ministerial budget.

the Ministry recently summoned the Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia and expressed concern with regard to encroachments and alleged removal and/ or disturbance of International beacons by Malawian nationals.
As a follow up to this meeting, the Ministry had written to the High Commissioner and had proposed a date to visit affected areas along the international boundary with the view to addressing Zambia’s prevailing concern in order to redress the situation.
• with regard to matters relating to defence and security and policing action along the international boundary, aimed at averting illegal boundary crossing, land use, encroachments and beacons destruction, the Ministry of Lands was of the view that such were matters beyond its mandate and that could be better addressed by relevant ministries such as ministries responsibly for Home Affairs, Defence and Security and Foreign Affairs- possible with notification to the Head of State of the seriousness of the prevailing situation to enable the handling of the situation at the highest level by the two Governments when need arises.
The Honourable Minister further reported that following the Ministry of Lands and Malawi High Commission tour to the international boundary at a date set in the near future, the two Government would assess and consider the current situation along the boundary and conclusively resolve matters relating to affected people, settlements, infrastructure and other assets.
68 The two Governments should endevour to jointly and immediately curb malpractices by nationals living along the boundary and encourage them to abide to law and order.

The two Government would also dedicate resources to the joint control and maintenance of the international boundary.

Your Committee wished to know how the Ministry was handling the boundary wrangles going on between Zambia/Malawi Governments along the boundaries.
The Minister reported that it was not the Governments’ intentions to allow the encroachments taking place there.

It is the ignorance and deliberate moves of the population along the borders doing that.

There was need to sensitise the people along the border on the dangers of encroachments on either sides of the borders.
On whether the Zambian Government was getting the necessary co-operation in terms of resource allocation in trying to demarcate the Zambia/Malawi boundary in order to sort out the border disputes with regard to the ever increasing encroachments particularly by the Malawians, the Honourable Minister reported that the Zambian Government was committed to this cause while the Malawian Government did not reciprocate accordingly.
She stressed that during discussion on the matter, good and cordial atmosphere existed but on the ground, they did not seem committed.

However, of late, the Malawian Government was showing some signs of seriousness on the matter.
On what the joint Permanent Commission was doing with regard to defence and security in handling the reported hostilities emanating from the Malawian nationals along the boundaries, the Honourable Minister reported that they had brought that issue to the attention of the Ministry of Defence.
Asked to state how the Ministry had treated the “no-mans land” between Zambia-Mwami/Malawi- Muchinji borders with the ever growing encroachments by the Malawians, the Minister reported that when she visited the Mwami border post it was even noticed that the immigration border office of the Malawian Government had even been shifted near to the Zambian border post.
She reiterated that there was need to bring this issue between the two Heads of State as there was no longer the “no-mans land” between Zambia-Mwami/Malawi-Muchinji border areas.

On why the Zambian Government did not send soldiers to defend its own land and sovereignty even when the “no mans land” was being invaded, the Honourable Minister reported that for the Zambia Defence Force to be there, there was need for the Joint Permanent Commission to resolve that situation.
The Honourable Minister pledged to forward the concerns of your Committee to the Joint Permanent Commission for its consideration.

However, she reminded your Committee that the Zambian Government could not simply move in and apply force because Zambia was a state party to a number of international agreements which allowed people to live in harmony and peace.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the Zambia/Malawi border demarcation has become a sensitive matter which should be approached in a firm and decisive manner.

Your Committee observe that it should be the Malawian Government who ought to negotiate with the Zambian Government over the ever expanding encroachment because the Zambian Government is an aggrieved state which needs to protect its own sovereignty.
In view of the above position, your Committee urge the Honourable Minister to convey their concerns on the matter to the Joint Permanent Commission so that the issue is sorted out in a decisive and precise manner.

Your Committee await a progress report on the matter.
69 05/05 Decentralisation and wide publicity on the Decentralization of the Lands Tribunal On 25th January, 2005, the Honourable Deputy Minister assured the House as follows: “Again, the Ministry of Lands is doing everything possible to publicise the existence of this Lands Tribunal.
There is, therefore, need to decentralize and broaden the operations of the Lands Tribunal so that more people can have access to the services being offered by the Lands Tribunal.” Your previous Committee had observed that the Lands Tribunal is an important institution which needs a lot of support in order to carry out its operations.

They therefore, urged Government to ensure adequate funding was given to the Tribunal for operations.

They requested for a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the budgetary provision has been made regarding wide publicity of the Lands Tribunal.

Further, there has been an increase in the amount allocated to the Lands Tribunal in the 2006 budget in order to sensitise members of the public about it’s existence.

The Ministry was also considering having more sittings in the provinces and districts in order to make the Tribunal effective in the resolution of land disputes.
The Lands Tribunal has heard over 675 cases in its 10 years of operation.

Unfortunately, it had only sat twice in Ndola and Livingstone due to financial constraints.

On the concern regarding the slow pace at which the assurance was being addressed, the Permanent Secretary reported that it all bordered on financial constraints.

In fact, the Ministry had tried to source for donor funding but to no avail.

It was because of this that the Ministry had taken up the challenge to handle the situation by itself.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that not much has been achieved on the assurance.

They wish to be availed with a progress report on the matter.

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING 04/02: Market Development Programme On 28th February, 2002, the Honourable Minister informed the House that with funding from the European Union, three markets in Libala, Chilenje and Nyumba Yanga were being improved upon.
The programme would be extended to other markets in the city and to Kitwe and Ndola.

Your previous Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that: (i) (ii) (iii) Chilenje Market - As earlier reported, the market had been put under stage II and construction started in the month of April, 2006 and was expected to be completed by the end of 2006; Libala Market - the market had now been completed and handed over to Lusaka City Council; and Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe City Councils the status was as set out below: a) b) Lusaka – Construction for Soweto and Chelstone markets had started and all the traders had already been moved from the site.
Ndola – During the first tender that was advertised, no tender bids were received from Ndola market and the Ministry had re-entered the bids.

Turner Construction Company had been offered the Contract and your Committee would be informed when the works would start.

70 c) Kitwe – Construction of Buchi, Nakadoli and Kamitondo markets started in the month of April and progress on the same would be communicated to your Committee.
On why every pilot project started along the line of rail, the Permanent Secretary reported that the current urban market development project was being funded by the European Union.

They believed by embarking on this programme, they would create employment for the many unemployed youths in urban areas.

It was also observed that the majority of traders were found along the line of rail.
However, it was expected that, in due, course the construction of the markets would spill over to less densely populated areas.

Looking at the 2006 budget, there was a budget line for construction of markets in the outskirts.

On the concern that K10 million which was allocated for the development of the market was rather too inadequate for the project in Luwingu, the Permanent Secretary responded that it was the allocation provided for in the budget.
He then appealed to Members of Parliament to get involved in the district plans.

He promised to issue a circular to all councils to allow area Members of Parliament to contribute to the formulation of district plans.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and should be closed forthwith.
13/04 Clearance of Outstanding Council Debts On 29th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, the outstanding debts, currently in the books of the councils, we as Government, have taken note.

We have planned that for a period of two years, we will try to clear all these debts.” Your previous Committee requested for a progress report on the assurance.
In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that Parliament had again allocated K25 billion and K10 billion as grants to councils for retrenchment and general grants, respectively.

So far Government had already released about K8.5 billion out of which K6 billion had been remitted to Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) for retrenchment and K2.5 billion disbursed to local authorities in Western, Luapula and North-Western Province as general grants.
Your Committee expressed concern on how the released funds were been badly utilised by some councils.

The Permanent Secretary replied that Members of Parliament, as councillors, should be paying extra attention to how the money being allocated to councils were being expended.

This was so because, quite often, officers and councillors could involve themselves in inappropriate arrangements where they increased their sitting allowances.
The Ministry had been decentralised and the councils were free to hire and fire.

The Ministry’s responsibility in the decentralised system was only to suspend or dissolve a council which was not performing as per the guidelines.

However, to suspend or dissolve a council was not as easy matter.

He stressed that the Ministry gives guidelines on the usage of funds and were informed that the large share should go towards services.

If money was misapplied, any particular council could be surcharged.
On why the Ministry could not inform the area Members of Parliament directly regarding the council allocation of funds to councils since they are representatives of the areas on any policy matters, the Permanent Secretary reported that he believed the councils did disseminate that information to area Members of Parliament as councillors.

The Ministry sent copies of such information to the Mayors, Town Clerks and Council Secretaries.
Therefore, they would do likewise to the area Members of Parliament in future in order for them to help regularize the many financial irregularities taking place in some councils.

71 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee wish to commend the Ministry for adequately addressing the concerns raised in the assurance.

They resolve to close the matter.


11/04 Empowering of councils with equipment such as graders On 29th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this August House that the Government is determined to empower all Councils with equipment such as graders to enable them perform their duties effectively in the reconstruction and maintenance of feeder roads.
Mr Speaker, the intention of my Ministry is to budget for the procurement of at least two graders in each province for the districts to share themselves for a start.” Your previous Committee requested for a progress report on matter.

The Permanent Secretary reported that as earlier reported, the Ministry had found difficulties in implementing this programme due to budgetary constraints.
The K500 million released to the Ministry in 2005 was used to purchase spare parts for graders in Choma, Kalomo and Chipata.

On the Republican President’s announcement that he had procured a loan for graders for the 72 districts councils in Zambia, the Permanent Secretary reported that the whole programme was with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Once the project got forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, it would be attended to.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry was in the process of acquiring fire-engines.

The Permanent Secretary also reminded your Committee that the portfolio of road construction was now under the National Road Development Agency (NRDA).

Therefore, the issue of graders and road construction should be re-directed to the Ministry of Works and Supply.
He pointed out that, perhaps in future, NRDA, like what used to happen when Road Traffic Act was in place, would be delegating road construction and maintenance within the town centre and townships to other stakeholders like councils.

However, this had not yet been the case.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe the shift of the project to National Roads Development Agency.

They resolve to close the matter.


12/04 Construction of Houses through Municipal Bonds On 29th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, I would like to state that this administration is trying to construct houses by raising finances through Municipal Bonds.
Our programme is to use “Special Purpose Vehicles’ meaning that we will create some form of organs that, indeed will be used for purposes of Municipal Bonds.” Your previous Committee had resolved to await the progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported as follows: Appointment of Financial Advisors/Arrangers This task was usually protracted because of the need to make the right choice.
Accordingly, various actions have had to be done and were still being undertaken to conclude the process.

The Ministry was expected to conclude negotiations soon and sign the contractor thereafter.

72 Creation of the Special Purpose Vehicle and Appointment of members of the SPV Board – Various actions had been undertaken and were being undertaken to facilitate the registration of the Trust at the Ministry of Lands.
The point to note here was that the Board of Trustees was now in place and would be announced to the nation as soon as the Ministry of Lands registered the Trust on Housing Bonds.

Again it was useful to note that the Trust Deed was already done and lodged at the Ministry of Lands.

Sensitisation of Pilot Councils – The Ministry had already sent out a schedule of the required work and information pack that needed to be done or prepared ahead of the consultant’s visit.
Lobbying of Institutional Investors – Work was underway to sensitise institutional investors (such as pension funds, etc) about the housing bond programme with the view of getting them to not only understand the Municipal bonds concept but also to fully support the programme.
Lobbying for Tax Incentives – (e.g Withholding Tax) – The Ministry was actively working with various stakeholders to try and get the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to waive this tax so that when the housing bonds start coming out they would be attractive to investors thereby making the National Housing Bonds programme viable and a sure vehicle for implementing the National Housing Policy in Zambia.
Institutional Investment Guidelines – similar to the Withholding Tax issue above, the Ministry would continue to work with various stakeholders to try and get those guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to unlock, for domestic investments, the huge domestic savings moblised through pension funds, etc.
If the Ministry could get those guidelines issued, they would find that the National Housing Bonds Programme had become very easy to implement and would most definitely become the “core vehicle” in the process of implementing the Housing Policy in Zambia.
Training – To make the concept of raising funds through municipal bonds “accessible” to people, the programme of conducting training was launched, with the Senior Management Team at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing being the first to be trained.

The second institution to be trained, which was to be done soon, was the Secretariat on Decentralisation.

The objective was to extend this initiative to other Ministries and other relevant institutions or body of people that might benefit from it.
On the concern that Zambia is on record of developing good ideas and yet is slow in implementing them as the case had been on municipal bonds, the Permanent Secretary reported that he was equally aware that housing was a basic need.

However, there was little they could do when funding was inadequate to realise the ideas.

He reiterated that in the current budget, money had been allocated for the purpose, hence, the aggressive programme they had embarked upon.
On whether the initiative of constructing houses through municipal bonds was being extended to rural areas, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry had other initiatives for rural areas.

For instance, the Ministry encouraged the private sector to build houses for their workers.

Further, he reported that the Ministry had written to all councils to submit site plans for the councils to build 100 housing units in each district.
The Ministry directed the councils to put that project in their district plans and solicit for big allocation of funds in the national budget for the exercise.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there are outstanding issues to be addressed with regard to constructing houses through Municipal Bonds.

They recommend to be furnished with a progress report.
73 MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES 14/90 National Cultural Centre On 5th March 1992, the Honourable Minister made an assurance on the floor of the House that his Ministry, intended to embark on a major project of establishing a National Museum and Gallery in Lusaka.
In his update to your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported that according to Government estimates of expenditure for capital projects under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in 2003, construction of the National Cultural Centre was estimated to cost a total of K9 billion.

However, only K1.5 billion was allocated in the 2005 budget under the cultural centre vote.

This amount was not sufficient to cover any substantial work on the centre.
It was therefore, decided that only preparatory works would be undertaken for the National Cultural Centre while the rest of the money would be utilized for improving on existing cultural villages and establishing others in Provincial Centres.

The only progress made regarding the construction of the National Cultural Centre, therefore, was the completion of the architectural drawings because the fund fell far below the required amounts for constructing the centre.
As a result of this development, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services utilised part of the K1.5 billion to prepare architectural drawings, bills of quantities, tender documents and for rehabilitation and the construction of prioritised cultural villages as set out below.

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka was allocated K50 million for water reticulation and improvement of the terraces in the arena which works had since been completed.
Masala Cultural Village in Ndola was allocated K150 million for the construction of the Conference Hall, water reticulation, access road and security services.

So far, the access road had been done and the site had been connected to the main water system.

The construction of the Conference Hall had started and awaited additional funding.
Kapata Cultural Village in Chipata was allocated K150 million for the construction of the Conference Hall, excavation of the arena, putting up of a wire fence and provision of security services.

The Conference Hall had been completed, the arena had been excavated and the wire fence had been completed.

Yuka Cultural Village in Mongu was allocated K50 million for the preparation of drawing plans and tender procedures.
The drawings had been completed by the Ministry of Works and Supply and the contractor had been selected.

Construction awaited additional funding.

Showgrounds Cultural Pavilion in the Lusaka Showgrounds was allocated K30 million for the preparation of drawings, bill of quantities, preparation of tender documents and processing of contracts.

This had been done and construction awaited additional funding.
Maramba Cultural Village in Livingstone was allocated K100 million for the architectural drawings, tender documents processing of tender, surveying the land and holding of meetings with stake holders.

K120 million was spent on the purchase of a vehicle for monitoring and supervision of construction of cultural centres.

K32 million was allocated to Zambezi Cultural Village for the preparation of architectural drawings and consultations with stakeholders.
The preparations of architectural drawings had since commenced.

74 The Permanent Secretary further stated that it should be noted that not all the resources of this programme were released by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning in spite of the request to release the total allocation.

On the exact location of the National Cultural Centre, the Permanent Secretary reported that the site was behind Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and in front of the Parliament Motel Gate.
On whether Yuka Cultural Village was in Mongu or Kalabo, the Permanent Secretary submitted that it was in Mongu near the airport where there was an old house.

On why there were no cultural centres in Central, Luapula and Northern Provinces, the Permanent Secretary reported that they were constructing the cultural centres in phases.

In Central Province, they already had one called the Venus Theatre located in Kabwe near the Provincial Administration Offices.
On the location of Kapata Cultural Village in Chipata, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was situated by the showgrounds near the stadium.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the issue at stake in the assurance is in its infancy in terms of its implementation.

They resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
14/04 Construction of New Maramba Cultural Village in Livingstone On 15th July, 2004 the Honourable Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services informed the House as follows: “The Ministry in conjunction with the office of the Permanent Secretary, Southern Province, has since been allocated 250 by 300 metres plot in the Livinstone showgrounds by the Livingstone City Council.
This is to cater for the construction of the Maramba Cultural Village that will accommodate villages depicting architectural designs from the nine provinces.

It will also accommodate a multi purpose performing arena, crafts and curio shop and other cultural tourism facilities.” In updating your Committee, the Permanent Secretary reported as set out below.
i) ii) Architectural drawings, bill of quantities and tender procedures for a multi-purpose theatre estimated to cost K800 million were completed and Lwezi Enterprise had been engaged to undertake the works and an initial payment of K150 million had been made.

So far, the land had been cleared and the foundation had been dug.
Currently, the Ministry had requested the Buildings Department of the Ministry of Works and Supply to prepare architectural drawings and bill of quantities for the entire Maramba Cultural Village comprising the following structures: the main theatre with a sitting capacity of 1500 people; chalets designed in indigenous architecture depicting traditional Zambian huts; bar and Restaurant; and • • • • workshop and Conference Centre.
iii) Under the Government’s current plan of infrastructure development in Livingstone, the Seed Project of the World Bank under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources had agreed in principle to fund selected structures of Maramba cultural Village.

The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.
75 Asked to reconcile the information on Maramba Cultural Village and the information on the Construction of the New Maramba Cultural Village in her submission, the Permanent Secretary reported it was one and the same thing except that Maramba Cultural Village was referring to phase 1 dealing with the issues of transfer of the old Maramba Cultural Village which was situated in Musi-o-tunya Game Park while the New Maramba Cultural village was referring to the one built near the showgrounds in Livingstone.
Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the implementation of the assurance has not as yet taken place.

They resolve to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING 22/96: Re-organisation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) On 4th March, 1996, the Honourable Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the house: “Our national statistical system needs to be strengthened in order for it to give the relevant and timely data that we will require for decision making.
In this regard, plans are underway to re- organise the Central Statistical Office into a Bureau of Statistics with enhanced capacities.” Your previous Committee expressed their concern at the delay in re-organising the Central Statistical Office into the Bureau of Statistics with an enhanced mandate.

In view of the above state of affairs, your Committee urged the Government to speed up the process as they awaited a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that Government was concerned with the escalating cost of funding institutions that were predominantly Government, which later turned out to be semi-autonomous institutions that were costly until proper arrangement, and modalities were worked out to achieve the intended objectives.
Since the Honourable Minister of Finance and National Planning made the assurance on this matter in 1996, there had been a change in the thinking in the manner the Central Statistics Office (CSO) should reorganise.

Government would revise and update the 1964 Census and Statistics Act CAP 127 of Laws of Zambia in 2006 within the broad existing Government structure rather than the establishment of new institutions such as a Bureau of Statistics as earlier proposed in 1996.
On whether they had changed the policy regarding the reorganization of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the objective of the assurance was to restructure CSO into a bureau of statistics.

At that time, it was envisaged that the bureau of statistics would fulfill the objectives of the liberalized environment.
However, considering the enormous cost in the running of the bureau of statistics, the Ministry decided to proceed in the direction they had embarked on, that of restructuring within Government structure.

This, he reiterated, was a different shift of implementation.

Whether the revised 1964 Census and Statistics Act CAP 127 of the Laws of Zambia would be brought to the House in the June Sitting, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that with best intentions, they might like that situation to happen.
It all depended on how quick they would work on it in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and other key stakeholders.

76 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there has been a different shift in the policy implementation of the assurance.

They therefore, resolve to close the matter.


52/97 Privatisation of the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) The Honourable Minister made the following assurance on 14th October, 1997: “ I am bringing in a management company to make sure that for the next two years we consolidate the management of ZSIC before it is placed on the stock exchange.” Your previous Committee were concerned at the development taking place with regard to the privatization of ZSIC.
They wondered whether there had been a shift in policy to the full privatization of the entity.

They requested for an update on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that Government of the Republic of Zambia requested the Zambia Privatisation Agency (ZPA) to work with the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) to prepare the company for public floatation.
ZSIC could not be floated on the stock exchange immediately because of its poor operational and financial position.

In this regard, ZSIC advertised for bidders to bid for the provision of services for commercialisation and public floatation of ZSIC in 2004.

Three bids were received and a successful bidder was selected by ZSIC.

However, ZSIC failed to mobilize funds to pay the successful consultant to commence work.
In view of the above, ZSIC was tasked to prepare its own three to five years Business Plan and embark on the restructuring process which was still on going.

Further, there were conditions that ZSIC should make profits for three years consecutively.

To that effect, ZSIC had been making profits since 2000.

Additionally, Government was required to clear the debt it owed ZISC in terms of premiums To this end, Government had since paid over K12 billion out of the K17 billion that was verified by the auditors.
Therefore, once the institution achieved a positive financial position, it would be considered for floatation on Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE).

In view of the above, there had not been a shift in policy to the full privatisation of the entity.
On whether there was a safety catch not to declare workers redundant at Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) due to an apparent change in policy with regard from full privatization of an entity to internal restructuring, the Permanent Secretary reported that the action taken referred to the type of privatization which did not indicate any change in policy to full privatisation because the entity was still bound to another mode of privatization where the entity would be exposed to public floatation for the members of the public to buy shares.
On the time frame regarding the privatization of ZSIC, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that ZSIC was a large and complex organisation whose privatization process needed not be rushed as it was done for other key institutions.

The Ministry would be careful with the privatization of ZSIC because they believed privatization was a process and not a one time event.

Thus, it was not advisable to proceed with privatization which would lead to a lot of pitfalls.
Privatisation ought to be qualitative to lead to increased viability and profitability.

On the concern regarding the hurdles Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) was facing in the privatization process despite making profits for more than 3 years now, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that profitability was one thing and responsibility with regard to indebtedness to the Ministry was yet another thing.
Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) had managed to pay dividends only once to the ministry.

Since then, nothing had materialised from the organisation implying that Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) could not as yet sustain itself.

77 Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and therefore resolve to close the matter.
42/02 Fiscal Responsibility Bill On 23rd July, 2002, the Honourable Deputy Minister was asked when the Government would introduce a Fiscal Responsibility Bill to Parliament.

The Hon Minister’s response was: “ The Ministry of Finance and National Planning accepted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates to enact a Fiscal Responsibility Act, which is aimed at improving budget transparency and governance.
However, my Ministry will accommodate this recommendation by incorporating the elements of this proposal into the revised Finance Control and Management Act possibly before the end of the year.” Your previous Committee requested for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the Ministry did not manage to get a consultant to work on the draft Fiscal Responsibility Bill as planned.
However, it was planned that the consultant would be engaged this year to look at the draft Bill and recommend the way forward.

This would allow the consultant to look at he draft Constitution and propose change to the draft.

On whether the Ministry had presented the Fiscal Responsibility Bill to the Constitution Review Commission, the Secretary to the Treasury admitted doing that although he was not sure whether the Draft Constitution Report had integrated it.

He promised to check this matter.


Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee recommend that the progress report be availed to them.

20/03 Lundazi-Chipata Road On 7th August, 2003, the Honourable Deputy Minister made the following assurance: “It is the intention of the treasury to have the K4 billion allocated to this road in accordance with the contract work plan provided by the Ministry of Works and Supply for this year.
The initial K1 billion has been profiled to be released this month August, 2003.

The treasury will further consider releasing the remaining balance as the certificate for expanded works gets signed by the road engineers at the Ministry of Works and Supply as per procedure.” Your previous Committee had requested for a progress report on the matter.

In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury commenced his submission by referring your Committee to the breakdown tabulated below.
Lundazi-Chipata road Budget Allocation and release K’ Million Budget Allocation Releases Variance 2003 4,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 (3,000,000,000) 2004 9,306,676,000 9,306,676,000 - 2005 6,000,000,000 6,000,000,000 - 78 The Secretary to the Treasury further reported that the budget allocations towards the expenditure line Chipata – Lundazi Road under the Ministry of Works and Supply were K4,000,00,000, K9,306,676,000, K6,000,000,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.
The release by the Treasury towards this line had been K1,000,000,000, K9,306,676,000 and K6,000,000,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.

In 2003, the release towards the Lundazi-Chipata Road were less by K3,000,000,000.

Observations and Recommendations Your Committee observe that the assurance has been adequately addressed and resolve to close the matter.
14/04 An impending Bill to amend the liquidation law On 13th July, 2004, the Honourable Minister of Finance and National Planning made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “ Mr Speaker, we promised to look at the liquidation or receivership law this year because we are also concerned about this perpetual liquidation of companies.
We are working on this and we hope that by the end of the year we will bring a Bill for this House to amend the law regarding liquidation and receivership.” Your previous Committee had observed that employees did not benefit when a company was liquidated.

If anything, liquidators got the most benefits.

In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that Government was in the process of considering the amendments to be made to the Liquidation/Receivership Law.
The House would be updated accordingly once the amendments to the proposed Bill were finally drafted.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that Government is processing the Bill to amend the Liquidation/Receivership law.

They resolve to await for a progress report.


15/04 Recording of the External HIPC Tracking Team On 23rd July, 2004, the Honourable Minister of Finance and National Planning assured the House as follows: “There are plans to reconstitute the external HIPC expenditure tracking team so that the team adheres to its original mandate.
To this effect, the terms of reference for the HIPC Monitoring Team are being revised and will include tracking and monitoring PRP expenditure to assess the project benefits from the special economic point of view.” Your previous Committee had observed the overlapping roles of the external HIPC tracking team with other organisations such as the Internal Audit wing of the Ministry and the Auditor-General’s Office.
In view of the above, they had resolved to await an updated report on the position of the external HIPC tracking team in the Government structure.

In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the HIPC Monitoring team’s terms of reference had been revised.

After the Public Act No.

15 of 2004 was enacted, this responsibility had been taken care of in Section 12 clause (1) of the Act as well as in Financial Regulations 18 and 19 clause (1).
79 With those developments, the Government, in avoiding the overlapping roles with other Government organisations such as Auditor General’s office and the Internal Audit, decided to suspend the operations of the External HIPC Tracking Team.

The Secretary to the Treasury further reported that should there be need in future, the Ministry would not hesitate to reconstitute the External HIPC Tracking Team.
On the category of civil servants who were part and parcel of the HIPC Monitoring team, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the co-ordinator at the district level was the District Commissioner.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the Ministry has suspended the operations of the External HIPC Tracking Team due to over lapping roles with offices such as the Auditor-General’s Office and the Internal Audit office.
They therefore, resolve to close the assurance.
16/04 K10.0 Billion in control 29 at Bank of Zambia for accessing building loans for civil servants On 13th July 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning made the following statement on the floor of the House: “ Mr Speaker, we have K10 billion in control 29 at the Bank of Zambia and within the next few weeks, a programme of how the civil servants can start accessing those resources with the view of building will be announced.” Your previous Committee had noted that in such facilities, it was top management staff who benefited.
Your Committee therefore, urged the Government to ensure that all eligible groups benefited equally in that arrangement.

They awaited a progress report on the matter.


In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the Technical Committee had finalised the draft on the rules and procedures for the Public Service Housing Loan Scheme and made recommendations to the Committee of Permanent Secretaries who would further recommend to the Secretary to the Cabinet on the implementation of the Housing Loan Scheme.
The Secretary to the Treasury further assured your Committee that the implementation of the scheme was to be launched in mid April, 2006 as these funds were still in Control 29 at the Bank of Zambia.

On the assertion in the submission that the K10.0 billion in Control 29 at the Bank of Zambia for accessing Building Loans for civil servants scheme would be launched by mid April, 2006, the Secretary to the Treasury advised your Committee to ignore that piece of information because the dead line had lapsed.
The current policy direction on the matter was dictated by the Presidential announcement stating that housing become part of policy priority.

In that respect, he had asked a co-operating partner in infrastructure support to assist the Ministry in that cause.
On the concern that they could kick start the project with only K10 billion – in Control-29 though that amount could only cater for 50,000 civil servants instead of covering for all 120,000 civil servants, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that the point has been noted though he was going to be comfortable to kick start it with more than K10 billion.
On when the K10 billion in Control 29 for mortgage loans would start for civil servants, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that it would start immediately after examining the availability of financial resources.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the implementation of the scheme has not yet been launched.

They request for a progress report on the matter.
80 17/04 Collection of Presumptive Tax from Traders and Marketeers On 16th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “ To implement this, the agency contract between councils and the Zambia Revenue Authority have since been concluded and councils are now collecting presumptive taxes from passengers and transport operators countrywide and soon they will start collecting from traders and marketers.” Your previous Committee noted that presumptive tax, though contributing revenue below the expectation of ZRA, should be encouraged.
They had further urged Government to actively involve the councils in the collection of presumptive tax from markets and bus stops in urban areas if the revenue yields were to become better realised.
Your Committee awaited a progress report on the matter In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that in its effort to enhance collection from the informal sector such as markets and traders, the Zambia Revenue Authority continued exploring possibilities of engaging, apart from councils, other agencies with capacity.
This has culminated in most provincial councils centres signing agency contracts and effectively collecting the presumption tax and base tax (tax from marketeers and traders).

This effective collection was attributed largely to the fact that these councils had a presence in the markets and bus stops.

The structures established for the collection of the council levy had in most instances been utilised to collect presumption taxes.
Nevertheless, there was an outstanding problem with the councils in the cities where no agency contracts had yet been entered into with Zambia Revenue Authority.

The main reason being the councils’ lack of effective control of the market places.

Consequently, this had resulted in the revenue yield from cities to still being below the expectations of the Zambia Revenue Authority.
While the councils in the cities had continued to find a solution, the Zambia Revenue Authority had also engaged other agencies that had shown capacity to collect revenue on its behalf.

Those were associations and institutions that had structures and systems in the relevant business areas.

For example drivers contribution – Ndola, National Wide Transport- Kitwe, Fake Enterprises-Mansa.
For transparency purposes and to reach a wider audience with potential to agents, the Zambia Revenue Authority implemented public tender procedures for the award of agency contracts.

It was envisaged that the broadening of the agency base would eventually result in better compliance and enhanced collection of presumptive and base taxes country wide.

Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that the assurance has adequately been addressed.
They resolve to have the matter closed.

18/04 Kasempa Turn-off/Zambezi/Chavuma Road On 16th July, 2004, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “ The estimated total cost of Kasempa Turn-off/Zambezi/Chavuma road is US $80 million, which is approximately K383 billion.

Efforts are being made to seek support from co-operating partners.” 81 Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
In updating your Committee, the Secretary to the Treasury reported that two roads namely Kasempa turn off- Kabompo and Zambezi-Chavuma had continued to be solely financed from domestic resources and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning was yet to bring in any foreign financiers on board.

The allocations towards the Kasempa turn off-Kabompo road were K5,000,000,00 K15,700,000,000 and K13,000,000,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Releases against these allocations had been nothing, K15,700,000,000 and K13,000,000,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.
He then referred the Committee to the tabulation as broken down below; Kasempa Turn off-Kabompo Road Budget allocation Supplementary Total authorised Releases variance 2003 5,000,000,000 - 5,000,000,000 - (5,000,000,000) 2005 2004 13,000,000,000 13,000,000,000 3,700,000,000 15,700,000,000 13,000,000,000 15,700,000,000 13,000,000,000 - - - that allocations He also submitted the Zambezi-Chavuma road were K800,000,000, K2,100,000,000 and K100,000,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Releases against those allocations were done as per budget allocation in each of the three years.
Having said this, he again referred your Committee to the tabulation as broken down below: towards Zambezi-Chavuma Road Budget allocation Supplementary Total authorised Releases variance 2003 800,000,000 80,000,000 800,000,000 - 2004 21,000,000,000 - 2,100,000,000 2,100,000,000 - 2005 10,000,000 - 100,000,000 100,000,000 - On the concern regarding their reflected releases to the amount of K383 billion required to do the Kasempa Turn-off / Zambezi-Chavuma Road, it was discovered that it would take the Government 21 years to do those roads.
The Ministry was urged to be serious with the releases if tangible results were to be seen soon.

Subsequently, the Secretary to the Treasury was asked to indicate the co-operating partners they had spoken to in funding the road projects under discussion.

The Secretary to the Treasury noted the observation by your Committee with regard to the releases regarding Kasempa Turn-off / Zambezi-Chavuma Road.
With regard to the co-operating partners who had indicated that they would fund the project, he named the European Union, USA, the Swedish Government and DANNIDA.

He, however, reiterated that it would be up to Road Development Agency (RDA) to prioritise on which road network to start with.
On why the Permanent Secretary of Northern Province had K500 million meant for Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP) left over from the previous budget allocation while the roads were not well maintained, the Secretary to the Treasury shared the concern with your Committee and pledged to examine the exact circumstances which led to the situation.

He would consult the Permanent Secretary of Northern Province on the matter.
82 Observations and Recommendations In noting the submission, your Committee observe that there is a lot of commitment in addressing the assurance going by the consistent releases of funds for the roads.

They recommend to close the assurance.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, your Committee wish to express their gratitude to all Controlling Officers and supporting staff who managed to appear before them.

Your Committee also observe that some assurances have not been adequately addressed by relevant Ministries.
In such cases, your Committee advise the Government to impress upon the relevant Ministries to show seriousness to the observations and recommendations advanced by your Committee.

They implore Government to constantly release funds for the many Government’s projects which were incomplete or neglected due to lack of sufficient funds.

Finally, Sir, your Committee wish to thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and expert assistance rendered during the course of the year.
LUSAKA JUNE, 2006 E M M Musonda, MP CHAIRPERSON 83